LACCS
Leadership Advancing Culture in Schools
Partnering with organizations to create flourishing learning and work communities since 2010!
Leadership Advancing Character and Culture in Schools (LACCS-pronounced "laces") is a network of educators dedicated to developing leaders from education and school-adjacent organizations through character education. LACCS resources and formation opportunities focus on growing a healthy flourishing culture and climate within the organizational community. LACCS is made possible through a partnership between Alverno College and the Wisconsin Character Education Partnership (WCEP).
Our Mission:
We are a student-centered leadership network that champions character education.
Our Vision:
We envision a world where ALL students thrive and all communities flourish.
LACCS gives schools opportunities for networking and formation; to work with national and local experts; to be recognized for Promising Practices; and to achieve State Schools of Character designations. Coaches and resources offered through LACCS are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the schools, teams, and individuals seeking support.
LACCS provides:
Professional Development
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Attend the new Suzanne Pieper Teaching and Learning Series, which are evening events
throughout the academic year that are held at Alverno College in person, featuring the voices of experienced school leaders and researchers. These sessions support professional
learning and focus on the theme "Nurturing Thriving Schools & Communities.”
More Sessions are being planned for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
Learn more here -
The 11 Principles of Effective Character Education Training Presented by Alverno College in partnership with WCEP: Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective
Character Education training is customized to help school teams learn how to move the character education initiative forward in their schools and identify major areas for planning.
The program's principles create a framework that incorporates all aspects of school programming with a focus on embedding character education throughout the curriculum and culture of
the school. This local training session encourages teams to reflect on the needs of their individual schools as they relate to the 11 Principles Framework. It is beneficial for
schools that are just getting started as well as for schools that are looking to enhance existing programs.
- June 24, 2026
- 9 a.m.–noon: Morning training
- 1–3 p.m.: Optional coaching session add-on (work with a character coach and your team for personalized coaching during this time)
- Location: Hybrid offering (in-person at Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin or virtual via Zoom
- Lunch is not provided as part of the training. Please arrange plans on your own.
- Register here
- * Discounts apply for students, Promising Practice recipients, State and National School of Character recipients, LACCS program alums, and Suzanne Pieper Teaching and Learning Series participants. Contact jaclyn.thompson@alverno.edu to see if you qualify and to receive a unique code to use at registration.
Coaching
- Obtain personalized, tailored coaching with character education coaches to meet your goals
- Cultivate leadership skills to successfully initiate a plan developed from the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education.
Strategic Planning
- Develop a strategic action plan for your organization’s character initiatives
Best Practices
- Network, collaborate, and form partnerships with organizations that are engaging in character and culture work.
LACCS-Sponsored School Visit Opportunity
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State and National School of Character visits will occur throughout the 2027 academic year. More information to come!
Resources
- Learn how the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education provides a framework for culture change in support of both children and adults.
- Access assessment tools and develop a character education library.
Networking
- Engage with networking and formation events such as the new Suzanne Pieper Teaching and Learning Series.
For more information
Please contact Julie Borgealt at julie.borgealt@alverno.edu or Dr. Ronett Jacobs at ronett.jacobs@alverno.edu for more information.
Partners
The vision of WCEP is for all Wisconsin students to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions of core universal values through a self-sustaining culture. WCEP programs include Promising Practice Schools and Wisconsin Schools of Character.
Character.org provides the vision, leadership and resources for schools, families and communities to develop ethical citizens committed to building a just and caring world.
