There is no doubt that attending the 2017 National Principals Conference (NPC) will provide an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate with school leaders across the Pre-K through grade 12 spectrum, but if you’re new to Philadelphia, what else can you do to make your trip memorable? (more…)
School of Thought Blog
Come for #NPC17, Stay for Historic Philly
Changing Paradigms from Adult-Centered to Student-Centered Learning in Schools: A Powerful Shift and Catalyst for Change
Guest post by Autumn Pino
I will be the first to admit that what I am about to say might be a little controversial, and maybe even a bit daunting for some. (more…)
Leading in the Google Classroom Era
Guest post by Brad Currie
Over the past year, Google Classroom has taken the educational world by storm. Teachers and students are now able to thrive in a paperless world. School leaders must support this new way of life while respecting the transition from traditional methods. So how can a school leader leverage the power of Google Classroom to promote student and staff success? Let’s take a look … (more…)
Advocacy Update
Stand Up for Principals—Participate in the Title II Day of Action June 14!
Educators need the ability to better themselves in order to drive student achievement. Title II of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), also known as the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, offers educators this opportunity by providing federal funds to recruit, retain, and train high-quality educators. ESSA originally authorized Title II funds at $2.295 billion, a number that would make a positive impact for schools across the nation. (more…)
Three Tech Innovators Share Their Success
NASSP is excited to announce its 2017 Digital Principals of the Year (DPOY)—Jamie Richardson of LaCreole Middle School, Dallas, OR; Jethro Jones of Kodiak Middle School, Kodiak, AK; and Stephen Santilli of William Davies Middle School, Mays Landing, NJ. (more…)
The End is Near—But the Beginning is Right Around the Corner!
We’ve all heard folks grumble that time flies faster and faster as we age. With schedules governed by school calendars each year, that sentiment seems to be most aptly applied to principals! Each year seems to go more quickly than the last, and I’m likely not the only one wondering where all the time has gone. (more…)
Advocacy Update
Learn How to Influence Your State’s ESSA Plan at the National Principals Conference!
As states near the final stages of drafting their ESSA plans, they are required to engage different stakeholders to gain insight as to what should be included in their plan. The stakeholder engagement requirements afford principals a unique opportunity to influence the direction of local implementation. The “Opportunity to Influence: Principals’ Advocacy on the Every Student Succeeds Act” session at the National Principals Conference will provide you valuable insight into how to shape these plans. (more…)
Focus on the “BE” before the “DO”
Guest post by Jay R. Dostal
Last year, my leadership team held a two-day retreat to focus on moving from our current school building into the new one we were building at the time. As you might imagine, moving a 230,000 square foot building, in addition to implementing a new educational model centered on college, career, and life readiness, can be quite stressful and taxing. Many details needed to be coordinated, including developing a communication plan, updating multiple forms with the new address, purchasing new furniture, and much more. My team and I worked diligently to put together a list of things that we needed to get done during our two-day hiatus away from the building, and we had every intention of getting them completed before the second semester started. Then the retreat happened. (more…)
When Things Get Personal
Guest post by Crystal Newby
With another college application season about to start once again, we know that one of your students’ main concerns is the admissions essay. That’s why the National Honor Society (NHS) recently launched a series of virtual college application essay writing workshops. In one such workshop, Crystal Newby, assistant director of education and training for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), presented “Perfecting the Personal Statement.” After the presentation, Crystal prepared some strategies for you to share with your students:
I’m sure you’ve heard your parents, grandparents, or family members say the phrases, “When I was your age…” or “I’ve been in your shoes.” When I heard mine say this, I used to roll my eyes (behind my mom’s back, of course). I used to think that they couldn’t possibly understand what I was going through. It wasn’t until later in life that I appreciated what they said and came to the realization that they really did understand. (more…)
Summer Camp for Lead Learners
I know tons of students who get to attend summer camp every year. I also know many adults who reminisce about their experiences at summer camp when they were younger. Unfortunately, I never went to summer camp though I think I would have enjoyed packing my bags, waving goodbye to my parents, meeting new friends, and participating in all sorts of new experiences. (more…)
Five Simple Ways to Boost Teacher Morale
Guest post by Tara Rosipal
Administrators spend lots of time and energy creating a positive and caring student culture. Although important, what about teacher culture? How do we as school leaders help teachers stay positive and keep their morale high? (more…)
Building CultureCollaborative LeadershipCommunicationHuman Capital ManagementLeading LearningReflection & GrowthRelationshipsStrategic Management
Advocacy Update
Learn How the Education Landscape Has Changed at the National Principals Conference!
The election of President Trump and his appointment of Secretary DeVos have drastically altered the education sector’s path set forth by the Obama administration. To help you better understand the new policies and platforms of this new administration, as part of the 2017 National Principals Conference, NASSP and NAESP will host a panel with thought leaders and policymakers to discuss emerging issues in education reform at the national level. Issues discussed during this panel will include the school choice movement, questions about the appropriate federal role in education, a looming educator shortage crisis, and state implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). (more…)
A “Pineapple Program” for Principals
Guest post by Donald Gately
Teacher peer observation is a powerful tool for professional growth and school improvement. Whether done formally or informally, peer observations help teachers enhance their knowledge base, improve classroom practices, gain new ideas for instruction, and much more. For a principal, however, it’s rare to see another principal’s work or spend time observing other schools. How can principals get feedback from their leadership peers, like teachers do, to improve their schools and grow professionally? (more…)
Ineffective Leadership in Today’s Schools
This year marks the 20th anniversary since I attended my first NASSP principals conference. I still recall the excitement I felt. As a young administrator, I could hardly wait to get to the conference to learn from some of the best minds in educational leadership. (more…)
The Benefits of Association Involvement for School Leaders
Guest post by Cameron Soester
Four years ago, I became the assistant principal at Milford Junior/Senior High School. It was September, and the principal in my building, Brandon Mowinkel, invited me to attend the Region 1 meeting of the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP). I was unsure exactly what I was getting into, why I was going, and what I was going to do at this meeting, but as it turns out, getting involved in my region has opened many doors for me. (more…)
Advocacy Update
Learn How to Influence Your Elected Officials at the National Principals Conference!
As a principal, you are already your school’s lead spokesperson in your community. Have you ever considered taking that responsibility even further by contacting your government officials to advocate on behalf of your school? If so, then join us in Philadelphia on July 9–11 at the National Principals Conference, the first-ever joint conference for Pre-K through grade 12 school leaders, hosted by NASSP and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. (more…)
Finishing Strong
Guest post by Duane Kline
I’m writing on a cross-country flight from Kentucky to San Francisco with my wife and daughter. It turns out that my 22 years of parenting have brought us to the point where (a) my daughter has her own interests and a career and (b) she feels the need to “see the world.” So, she’s preparing to move to Northern California. (more…)
Strengthening Connections Between Elementary and Secondary School Principals
For the first time ever, elementary and secondary school leaders will join together at the 2017 National Principals Conference. The event will provide opportunities to examine the challenges and benefits of primary-secondary relationships. As you prepare for the conference or to make meaningful connections with other school leaders on your own, consider the following to help build and sustain your professional connections: (more…)
Building CultureCollaborative LeadershipCommunicationLeading LearningReflection & GrowthRelationships
Advocacy Update
Be Sure to Register for the National Principals Conference!
Do you want to be a part of the largest gathering of elementary and secondary school principals in the nation? Then join us for the first-ever joint National Principals Conference, hosted by NASSP and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, July 9–11 in Philadelphia. (more…)
Breakdown of the FY 2017 Omnibus
Earlier this month, the House and Senate passed a $1.1 trillion omnibus bill which will fund the federal government for the remainder of FY 2017. This funding package comes after weeks of concern over a potential government shutdown due to President Trump’s demands over including funding for a border wall and other controversial policies. Congress was even forced to pass a one week continuing resolution to provide more time to strike a deal. In the end, the White House rescinded its earlier demands, which allowed appropriators on both sides of the aisle to come together with a long-term compromise. (more…)