Early Education (EE) Leaders' Summit
September 25, 2026 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA
Registration includes a lunch buffet of Chicken Parmesan with house-made marinara and a side of pasta, mixed green salad, Italian-style vegetables, garlic bread, and cookies
ACSI member rate: $105 (through 9/11/26)
ACSI member rate: $120 (beginning 9/12/26)
Non-member rate: $135
This professional development experience offers:
- Research-based, practical learning you can immediately apply in your leadership.
- Community and encouragement that prepare you to lead with confidence and creativity.
Whether you’re seeking fresh inspiration, meaningful application strategies, or hours toward training requirements, Innovate supports your growth as a Christ-centered leader.
Location
Vanguard University
Costa Mesa, CA
Sessions & Schedule
8:00 – 9:45 Welcome, Introductions, Instructions and Worship
Session 1: Base Camp, Foundations of Leadership:
Defining Leadership, finding your footing, and discovering what it means to lead. This section lays the foundation for the rest of the day and empowers leaders to be “strong and courageous”. Core Competency: Leadership
9:45 – 9:55 Break
9:55 – 11:10 Session 2: The Ascent: Building Faculty Culture:
Climbing together works better than climbing alone. During this session, we will talk about creating a culture where people thrive. We will practice the “Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Core Competency: Leadership/Learning Environment
11:10 – 11:20 Break
11:20 – 12:35 Session 3: The Guide: Motivate Like Jesus:
Following the example of our Master Teacher, we will learn how Jesus motivated the disciples. By studying the biographies of the disciples and seeing how Jesus related to them, we will look at how to motivate our faculty (and many times our students and families). Following our Guide, we will be inspired to build strong centers of faith and grace. Core Competency: Spiritual Development/Leadership
12:35 – 1:05 Lunch (provided)
1:05 – 2:50 Session 4: The Summit: Coaching for Growth:
As teachers, we learn to ask our students questions to help them through inquiry-based learning. We can translate many of those same strategies as we lead our faculty to develop their classroom skills. Let’s help others climb higher through powerful relationships. Core Competency: Leadership
2:25 - 2:50 Reflection Activity, Suzie Mohler
2:50 - 3:00 Closing Comments, CEU and Dismissal
Speakers
Royce Nelsustuen
Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona, and her master's in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University, Royce spent 20 years as the Principal of Faith Community Academy in Tucson, Arizona. As a partner school with Branching Out, Royce had a front row seat to the growing mission of Branching Out. The faculty and staff of FCA benefited greatly from the coaching and training BOEC provided. Royce is married to Jason, who is a Pastor, and is the mother to four young men (they grow so quickly). Christian education has been a key element of her family life and ministry, and she is passionate about educating others to be successful in the place God has called them.