School leaders have a unique role to play when it comes to supporting and partnering with immigrant families. As a leader, you can set the tone and create a vision for what kind of school community you wish to see. Of course, it’s not your job alone, but we have seen again and again that school leaders can have a tremendous impact on whether their school is one where English language learners (ELL) and immigrant students succeed. This kind of leadership is especially important when families are facing uncertainty and when the staff who work most closely with multilingual, ELL, and immigrant families are looking for guidance on what kinds of support they can offer.
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How School Leaders Can Support Immigrant Students and Families
National Student Council Shares Insights on Gun Violence Prevention With White House and Federal Officials
Last month, the National Student Council (NSC) offered its recommendations on gun violence prevention and safety to White House and federal officials. In a December 17 letter, NSC President Anjali Verma writing on behalf of the NSC gave feedback on active shooter drills, mental health, and safe firearm storage. NSC is a flagship student leadership program of NASSP.
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How a Dog Shaped My Leadership
Seven years ago, my family brought home a fluffy Siberian Husky named Rustam. At first, I didn’t feel connected to him. He was energetic, unpredictable, and honestly, a bit intimidating. I was unsure how to handle his wild personality and felt frustrated by his constant need for attention.
(more…)Five Reasons to Join NASSP in 2025
As 2024 ends and preparations for 2025 begin, many are reflecting on their personal, professional, and educational goals. If you’re a middle or high school principal, assistant principal, or educational leader, NASSP membership is a transformative step for your career.
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The Mental Health Crisis in the Digital Age
My guess is, if you’re a student reading this post, you’re on your phone. Nevertheless, however you found your way here, welcome.
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Why I Applied for the Outstanding Achievement Award—and Why You Should Too
A year ago, I decided to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award because I have always strived to excel in all areas of my life, including academics, leadership, and service. When I learned about the opportunity to be recognized for my hard work and dedication, I knew I wanted to take advantage of it. My NJHS adviser said I would be a great candidate and encouraged me to apply. Having my efforts recognized and appreciated inspired me to push myself further and reach higher levels of success in my academics and athletics. Through NJHS, I was able to influence my peers into becoming more involved in the Honor Society’s five pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.
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Five Reasons to Attend the National Student Council Conference
Michael Flynn is the youth services coordinator for Estill County Middle School in Irvine, KY, and a longtime adviser for the school’s student council. He’ll be bringing 23 student council members to the National Student Council Conference happening January 31–February 2 in Chicago. The event is co-located with the National Honor Society Conference. Below, Flynn shares the top five reasons Honor Society and student council advisers should attend.
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Honoring Our Veterans and Inspiring the Next Generation
Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart, both as a school leader and as the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran. My father served honorably and later dedicated himself to community service through our local VFW post. I grew up volunteering alongside him at events like our small town’s Rodeo and Apple Festival, witnessing the deep bonds veterans share and the values they uphold. Those experiences profoundly shaped my values and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in education to pass those values along.
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What Your Students Can Teach You About Elections
As a middle school principal, I live by the mantra “I never lose; I either win or learn.” This guiding principle instills trust in my students and staff, encouraging them to explore their innovative ideas. And if things don’t go as planned, we still grow from the experience. It’s about creating opportunities for students to engage deeply with the world around them, to discover their voices, and to understand the power of collective action.
(more…)Middle School Leaders NetworkNASSP Principal of the Year Alumni NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Representing National Student Council at the White House
Last month, Kaylyn Woods, vice president of leadership development for the National Student Council (NSC), proudly represented student leaders from across the nation during an afternoon visit to the White House. The visit October 10th visit was part of a White House event in partnership with the National Partnership for Student Success.
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Student-Led Philanthropy With LLS
As educational leaders, we know one thing for sure: Our students are amazing! I am happy to say that another organization, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), knows this too. During the 2023–24 school year, a group of students at New Jersey’s Burlington City High School (BCHS) partnered with LLS’s student-led, philanthropic program, Student Visionaries of the Year, and made a lasting impact on our students, school, and community. Our students used their voices and agency toward advocacy, developing outstanding skills as they completed a seven-week fundraising campaign to help LLS in their mission to end blood cancers.
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Three Ways to Prevent Bullying Year-Round
October is Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month. While it is important to explicitly acknowledge this month in our schools, school leaders also have a responsibility to support students and staff all year to create a safe and positive learning environment. At State College Area High School in State College, PA, here are three ways we do it.
(more…)PAEMST Honors Teachers in Schools Like Yours
As a principal, you know better than anyone that teachers are the backbone of your school. Their commitment to serving the next generation and their dedication to going above and beyond make them pillars of the community. Now, more than ever, they deserve to be recognized for their excellence and, as a principal, you know what excellence looks like.
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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Arapahoe Schools
Every year on October 14th, students and staff at Arapahoe Schools come together to celebrate two important aspects of their community: their rich cultural heritage and the legacy of a Tribal Elder, Neiwoo Woxu’ Niibei (Grandma Lucy Willow). Neiwoo Lucy Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are not just a mark on the calendar; it is a day when we honor the history and cultural identity of the students who attend this small school on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Central Wyoming.
(more…)Building CultureDEINASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Networkschool cultureWomen in School Leadership Network
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Call to Action
Because I am a Latino principal, Hispanic Heritage Month has always held special significance for me. It serves as an essential reminder to celebrate the richness and diversity of Hispanic cultures and to honor the many contributions of individuals and events that have shaped our history. While we take time to reflect on our past achievements and express gratitude for our progress, it is essential to recognize the challenges that still lie ahead.
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Why NASSP Webinars Are Worth Attending
It’s important for me, as a high school principal, to stay up to date on the latest trends that affect our students and be prepared for potential impacts on education. I am currently in my third year as a principal. Previously, I served as an assistant principal for two years.
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The Power of One: How a Single AP Course Can Transform Students’ Futures
Some of the benefits of Advanced Placement® (AP)—including building skills for college and career and providing an opportunity to earn college credit and placement—are familiar to many educators.
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Three Ways to Build Connection, Culture, and Community This School Year
For principals, experiencing challenging years is inevitable. Putting our best foot forward right out of the starting gate is essential to setting us on a positive path to building a strong, connected school community. Conflicts with student schedules, staff morale issues, and parental concerns about academic pressure and mental health status are among the few in a very long list of potential variables that we manage on a regular basis. Having spent time in the valley, I can tell you how great the view is when you reach the mountain top and look down to find that you just experienced your best opening week in 28 years of education. Here’s how I found that “mountain view” and how you can, too.
(more…)NASSP Announces Principal of the Year Finalists
NASSP today announced its top three contenders for the 2025 National Principal of the Year award. Principals Tracie Anderson Swilley, Andrew Rebello, and Jon Wilcox have emerged as visionaries reshaping education through innovative leadership and an unwavering commitment to student success.
(more…)Four Scholarship Resources for NHS Members
As a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), you’ve already demonstrated your commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and character. Now, it’s time to leverage your achievements and explore scholarship opportunities that can help fund your higher education. Here are four valuable scholarship resources to consider:
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