ALAS 2026:
25 Years of Leadership, Legacy, and Learning
Renew and refresh at the 25th Annual ALAS!
The Ashland Leadership Academy Seminars (ALAS) is a Professional Learning Retreat designed exclusively for K-12 Administrative Leaders and Aspiring Leaders. Join colleagues from over 40 K-12 districts for engaging seminars, legal analysis by Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A., legislative updates, a book study, and plenty of opportunities to relax, network, and have some fun! Available for 3 Graduate Credits, or 36 Contact Hours from Ashland University.
ALAS is brought to you by the Telego Center for Educational Improvement and the Department of Professional Development Services at Ashland University.
Celebrate with us!
Jan. 8-10 and Feb. 7
A Tradition of Excellence
For a quarter-century, the Ashland Leadership Academy Seminars (ALAS) have been a cornerstone of leadership development for Ohio K-12 Administrative Leaders. In 2026, we celebrate our 25th year with a new format designed to enhance connection and minimize travel, while continuing to deliver the high-quality, relevant content you've come to expect.
ALAS has always been more than just a series of seminars. It's a vibrant community of educational leaders. Our engaging workshops, thought-provoking book studies, and invaluable networking opportunities connect colleagues from over 40 Ohio school districts each year. Participants consistently share that the relationships forged at ALAS have a lasting impact on their careers and their students.
Schedule (tentative)
Jan. 8-10: Live, In-Person, Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls. (We prefer you join us in person, but a virtual option is also available). We will post more specific agendas by Dec. 1.
- THURSDAY Jan. 8: Festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a Reception and Keynote from Dr. Paul Kish, author of this year's book study, "Leadership Through Relationships." Get your copy of the book ahead of time by filling out this form!
- FRIDAY, Jan. 9:
- Leadership Workshops: Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. and we will wrap up the day's compelling workshops at 4 p.m.
- Celebration Mixer: Dinner, Networking and Live Music in the Ballroom, 5-10 p.m.
- SATURDAY, Jan. 10: Breakfast begins at 7 a.m.; Leadership Workshops will continue from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- SATURDAY, Feb. 7: Live, VIRTUAL, for all attendees. We will wrap up this year's Leadership Workshops virtually this day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Links will be sent out by Jan. 8.
- Additional content for Contact Hours or Grad Credit: After attending the above dates, complete the remainder of your ALAS 2026 experience at your own pace (online, asynchronously) through March 31! Although we highly encourage all participants to engage in this additional content, it is optional.
Book Study & Keynote
In addition to celebrating the past, honoring the present and preparing for the future of K-12 Education, this year's ALAS will include a book study of Dr. Paul Kish's "Leadership Through Relationships: Prioritizing Relationships in the Pursuit to Lead Successful Schools."
Dr. Kish, an Experienced Director of Curriculum and Instruction with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry, will be delivering our Keynote Address on Jan. 8. A copy of "Leadership Through Relationships," is included in your ALAS registration and will be available for you to pick up during check-in on Jan. 8.
***If you are attending Jan. 8-10 Virtually, or if you would like your copy sent to you ahead of time, please fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/UkyZ6zTbBf
"What a refreshing escape! The hotel provided the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Comfortable rooms, delicious food, and a spacious ballroom made my stay truly enjoyable. It was exactly what I needed."
"This conference couldn't have come at a better time. The theme of the book and the insightful presentations addressed crucial issues in education today. The legal discussions added valuable perspectives, giving me new insights to navigate challenges in my district."
"ALAS continues to exceed my expectations, and connecting with fellow educators and sharing experiences is always a highlight! The presentations are informative, and I appreciate the practical ideas I can implement in my work. The legislative updates were invaluable for managing our district effectively."
Registration Rates & Instructions
ALAS 26 RATES:
- K-12 Leader
- In-Person Jan. 8-10 and Virtual full day, Feb. 7: $925
- Virtual, Jan. 8-10 and Feb. 7: $750
- Graduate Credit, $600
- Emerging Leader
- In-Person or Virtual, Jan. 8-10 and Feb. 7: $200
Select Workshop preference according to:
- Leadership Level (K-12 Leader or Emerging Leader, see descriptions below);
- PAYMENT METHOD (Self-Pay, District Pay, or Split); and
- Delivery Method (In-Person or Virtual Jan. 8-10, 2026. The final ALAS Day, Feb. 7, will be Virtual for all attendees).
Identify whether you will want to receive:
- Graduate Credit (3 hours Credit in Professional Learning in Leadership Development) from Ashland University); or
- Contact Hours (36 Contact Hours in Leadership Development, you will receive a Certificate for this option).
Registration Links
K-12 Leaders
(Licensed Administrators, Curriculum Directors, Treasurers, Retired Administrators, ESC or SST staff)
Emerging Leaders
(enrolled in an M.Ed. Licensure Program, or Teachers interested in becoming an Administrative Leader in K-12). This discounted rate is for the entire ALAS experience: Jan. 8-10 (in person or virtual) and Feb. 7 (virtual only).
Group Rates at the Sheraton
Book your room at the Sheraton using our Group Rate!
Last Day to Book: Tuesday, December 09, 2025
Check in: Thursday, January 08, 2026
Check out: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls for 135.00 USD per night
Sponsorship Opportunities
About ALAS
Now in its 25th year, the Ashland Leadership Academy Seminars (ALAS) is a premier professional retreat for K–12 education leaders across Ohio. Held at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls—with a virtual option—ALAS offers powerful insights from top education leaders, meaningful peer collaboration, and a refreshing break from the demands of daily leadership.
Why Sponsor ALAS?
Partnering with ALAS connects your organization with influential decision-makers in education. Our sponsorship packages are designed to boost your visibility and foster meaningful engagement with school leaders.
Leadership Sponsor – $1,500
- Logo, name, and link featured on the ALAS website before, during, and for six months after the event
- 5-minute live presentation (in-person or virtual) on Jan. 9, Jan. 10, or Feb. 7 (virtual only)
- Logo displayed during sessions and link shared with attendees
Legacy Sponsor – $2,000
All Leadership Sponsor benefits, plus:
- Featured in an ALAS social media post (cross-posted to Ashland University’s main channels)
- Opportunity to give your 5-minute presentation during the evening festivities on Jan. 8 or 9 (limited availability, but maximum engagement)
- Invitation to the join us for the evening's events (reception, banquet, 25th-Year Celebration Mixer)
If your business or organization would like to become an ALAS sponsor, please contact Michelle D'Ambrosio, Manager, Telego Center for Educational Improvement, at mdambros@ashland.edu or submit the ALAS sponsorship form.
Join our Planning Committee!
Help shape content and keep this powerful leadership experience fresh and relevant to the challenges school districts are facing. Fill out this Planning Committee Interest Form and we'll be in touch!
- Time Commitment is minimal but impactful!
We meet once in the summer to brainstorm theme and book study ideas, as well as workshop content. After that, we touch base via email throughout the Fall (and if needed, one more meeting). - Spread the Word and Engage!
Our committee members also are crucial in getting other leaders to attend ALAS each year. Being invited by a colleague is always more effective than general marketing, and who knows best about the value of ALAS than those who've been there?