Together, NASSP and school leaders nationwide play a vital role in crafting federal, state, and district policies that support the achievement and success of each student. The NASSP Advocacy Conference, held in Arlington, VA, at the Key Bridge Marriott from June 20 to June 22, is a great opportunity for school leaders to expand their advocacy skillset by participating in training and activities.
If you’re wondering whether this is the conference for you, here are three reasons why this is a can’t-miss experience for any principal interested in becoming a better advocate for their students, staff, and school:
- Engage with policy experts on the topics of the day, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). NASSP provides a full day of programming covering the most hot button topics in federal education policy, and featuring speakers from the leading education policy organizations. This year is especially important: With the recent passage of the historic Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)—which gives more decision-making power to the states—it is more important than ever that principals are equipped with the knowledge to effectively participate in the new law’s planning and implementation process. You will hear directly from experts who work daily on these important issues with federal policymakers.
- Meet your legislators and take your voice to Capitol Hill. Principals will have a unique opportunity to speak in a unified voice on Capitol Hill. Conference attendees will spend a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with the representatives and senators from their states. By engaging with your members of Congress, you can discuss how legislation is specifically affecting your school and send a powerful message that great school leaders are vital to the success of each student.
- Connect with school leaders from across the country on policy and advocacy. At the conference, you will meet and converse with school leaders leading schools in a variety of contexts from all 50 states. Participants of past conferences have told us that their discussions and interactions with peers were particularly valuable. During the conference program, there will be opportunities for attendees to share the issues at their schools and how policies in their states are helping or hurting their students. Learning from the examples of other schools, districts, and states allows educators to return to their schools as more effective advocates for students and for other school leaders.
The NASSP Advocacy Conference is an exclusive event for state leaders and members of NASSP’s Federal Grassroots Network (FGN), a group for school leaders interested in education advocacy. Joining the FGN is easy and free (just select the FGN option in our email preference center) and as a member you will receive a monthly e-newsletter with the latest advocacy news affecting principals.
We hope you will join your fellow principals for three days of engaging conversation, learning, and advocacy. Register online by Friday, May 13 and visit the conference webpage for more information.
Still have questions? Feel free to email Sophie Papavizas, NASSP advocacy coordinator, for assistance.