NASSP is excited to announce two session proposals for the 2025 SXSW EDU, one of the largest and most influential education conferences in the country. Your vote can help us share these innovative sessions with a larger audience; public voting is one of three elements that determine which sessions are selected. Voting is open August 6–18 through the SXSW “Panel Picker” platform.
At last year’s conference, NASSP presented one session, “Innovation in Culture: Lead with Vision, Voice, and Heart.” One of the presenters was James Allrich, the principal of Argyle Middle School in Silver Spring, MD, and the 2023 Maryland Principal of the Year. He discusses his experience below and what educators can learn from watching the sessions.
What was the best part about presenting at SXSW EDU?
One great thing is that we had three school administrators there—as well as then NASSP President Aaron Huff as the facilitator—from different levels and types of schools, so we were able to provide a real variety of perspectives. I love doing these types of panel discussions because I get a chance to engage with other leaders and as well as with people who aren’t working in schools. During our sessions, we had a good turnout, and we had a chance to share our perspectives on issues like school culture, staff morale, professional development, wellness, and mental health. It was a challenge to squeeze that information into a 60-minute session. This didn’t allow enough time for interactive questions and answers, but I was able to engage with several participants afterward.
How is SXSW EDU different from other conferences, like NASSP’s recent UNITED?
One big difference is that a number of the attendees at SXSW aren’t based in schools. You have researchers, policy experts, academics, marketers, nonprofit representatives, and others. That’s why it’s so important that the conference includes sessions from those of us who lead schools and are in schools. We can talk about our day-to-day work and how we roll up our sleeves and just get things done. That’s better than relying only on what participants have read or what they think is happening in schools.
What can school leaders get out of the conference, either by attending in person or following along online?
In addition to the NASSP sessions, several informative sessions feature some amazing educators who have a lot to say about what’s happening in our schools and which might be useful back in your own districts. At the same time, the sessions from non-educators give a sense of what’s happening with the latest school research and trends that could affect the future of education. For example, I expect there to continue to be a lot of discussion about AI next year. But we all need to vote for the NASSP sessions because it’s important to have educators in the room, including administrators who are leading the work.
Vote for Our 2025 SXSW EDU + NASSP Sessions!
We’re thrilled to announce that we have two session proposals submitted for SXSW EDU, taking place March 3–6, 2025, featuring Principals of the Year and Assistant Principals of the Year. Your vote can help us share these innovative sessions with a larger audience! Voting is open August 6– 18, 2024, through the SXSW “Panel Picker” platform.
Session 1: Leadership Synergy: Connecting School Leaders for Innovative School Success
Engage in a dynamic networking event facilitated by the NASSP NPOY and APOY. This session will focus on connecting principals to share best practices, foster a positive school culture, and discuss innovative approaches for recruiting and retaining top-tier teachers and future administrators. Attendees will benefit from expert insights and peer collaboration.
Session 2: Innovators in Education: 3 Nationally Recognized Principals Transforming High School
Hear from nationally recognized principals who are transforming high school education. Learn about their innovative strategies, successes, and challenges in redesigning the high school experience. This session includes an interactive Q&A.
Help us bring these valuable sessions to SXSW EDU 2025! Let’s amplify the voices of our school leaders and share their insights on innovative education.