About This Course
Are you an aspiring or current woman leader within a district or school who feels the pressure to prove yourself, manage conflict carefully, and still be seen as capable, confident, and likable?
The RBT Women Leaders Program is a 12-hour interactive virtual course paired with individual coaching designed to help women leaders navigate the real, unspoken challenges of leadership — and thrive while doing it.
This program offers a welcoming and supportive space for women who are both current and aspiring district/school leaders to explore strategies and build connections to navigate challenges and thrive in leadership roles.
This program is for you if you’ve ever asked yourself:
- Why am I held to different standards — and scrutinized more closely — than my male counterparts?
- How do I lead with confidence without feeling like I have to choose between being respected and being liked?
- How can I respond effectively when I’m interrupted, dismissed, or unfairly labeled?
- How do I get meaningful, growth-focused feedback from my supervisor that helps me advance?
- Why is my default “keeping the peace” instead of addressing behaviors that affect the culture, limit my team, and undermine my work?
- How can I move past anxiety or self-doubt and reconnect with the pride and fulfillment I once felt as a leader?
If any of these resonate, this program was created for you.
This course has given me the confidence to handle more difficult situations, and I am already seeing an increase in my willingness to take on these conversations. |
Women Leaders Program Participant |
Goals
Using the book, The Superintendent's Work with Principals: Improving Instruction and Achieving Results (Durkin, 2020), current research on women's leadership, and the foundational work of major voices in the field (Brené Brown, Jessica Nordell, Sophie Williams, etc.) participants will:
- Recognize, acknowledge, and analyze barriers/struggles women face in the workplace and how to muster the will and skill to overcome them
- Frame changes in mindset, practices, and habits to target one's full potential
- Plan strategies and use effective techniques/tools to empower ourselves as courageous leaders in an array of circumstances
- Engage within a network of supportive women leaders who will challenge assumptions and validate each other's progress toward becoming more daring leaders
- Consider multiple pathways for attaining higher-level leadership positions
This course was amazing! The specific language used, clear examples and strategies provided are relevant and actionable. |
Course Format
Program Structure
Three live virtual sessions (4 hours each): 8:30 am-12:30 pm EST
Session 1: Courage First — For Us
Explore what daring leadership really looks like. Drawing on the work of Brené Brown and others, we will examine vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and defensive work habits — and learn how to show up as an ally for yourself and others.
Session 2: The Power of Feedback
Develop the skills to seek, receive, and deliver feedback with clarity and confidence. Learn how to engage in honest conversations that support growth, accountability, and strong working relationships — even when the feedback is hard to hear.
Session 3: Managing Change & Conflict
Address the dynamics that quietly erode organizational culture. From backchanneling and favoritism to perfectionism and difficult team interactions, you’ll gain tools to lead through conflict and change with resilience, grace, and authority.
Individual Coaching
The program also includes two (2) one-hour individual virtual coaching sessions, scheduled directly with the instructor to personalize your learning and support your continued growth.
Resources
Course Instructor: Pia Durkin, Ph.D
For over 40 years, Dr. Pia Durkin has served as an educator in urban school districts in New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts making a significant impact on the lives of children and families, and on those she has coached and supervised toward stronger performance.
Course Information
Groups of 25 or more: Submit a Service Request to discuss how this course could benefit educators in your school or district.
Individuals or less than 25: Fill out our Open Enrollment Interest Form to be notified of the next open enrollment opportunity.