As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s worth noting that NASSP has a very active Women in School Leadership Network that brings together leaders from around the country for well-attended monthly meetings online. One of the network’s newest co-facilitators is Molly Ouche, the principal of Parkrose High School in Portland, OR, and the 2024 Oregon Principal of the Year. Below, she shares five reasons why women leaders should become active in the network.
- Break the sense of isolation. It can be really isolating as a female administrator, especially as a high school principal. Connecting with other women who are in similar positions and collaborating and sharing our stories is validating. It’s good to know you’re not the only one who has experienced some of the same challenges.
- Share in a welcoming environment. The facilitators have created an environment where leaders can feel safe sharing their stories, so it’s an empowering space. People are willing to be vulnerable. We celebrate successes and share similar concerns that arise in our schools. It’s a space where leaders can discuss what’s relevant to them, and problem solve around issues, and suggest topics for future meetings.
- Meet amazing people. I think my favorite part about the network is that we have women who come from all over the country and yet we share similar issues and experiences and visions of how to move our school forward and best support students. It’s incredible knowing there are so many people out there doing similar work.
- Learn something new. At every meeting, I probably hear something that I want to try or put on my summer list of things to think about for next year. Some are concrete ideas; others are just reminders of best practices. Recently, I appreciated some reminders about the importance of self-care. For example, make sure you eat lunch, or walk the building if you’re stuck on something. We’re in the heart of student evaluations right now, so these tips are especially helpful since we’re all going through what can be a stressful time of year.
- Continue the discussion offline. It’s been nice to see people connect at our online meetings and then end up texting or emailing with a colleague to follow up on a topic. Our meetings are only an hour, so sometimes they want to have a deeper discussion. The network allows them to connect with other leaders to have those conversations.