NASSP is proposing three new sessions for the 2026 SXSW EDU Conference & Festival. One of the largest and most influential education conferences in the country, SXSW EDU will choose new sessions to include based on three elements, one of which is public voting. The polls close August 24, 2025, so make your selection today!
At last year’s conference, NASSP presented, “Leadership Synergy: Connecting Innovative School Leaders.” Andrew Farley, the principal of Brookfield East High School in Brookfield, WI, and the 2024 National Principal of the Year; and Courtney Walker, the principal of Carrollton Elementary School in Carrollton, GA, and the 2024 National Assistant Principal of the Year, led the session. Below, Farley discusses his experience at SXSW EDU.
Why is connecting school leaders with each other important to you?
School leaders across the country are unified by a common purpose: to improve our schools and spark a meaningful impact on the learning and engagement of every student. Each leader has amazing ideas, so it was truly inspirational to be part of this session where these ideas were shared and amplified. Our conversations focused on key areas for student growth, school culture, student leadership development, and which data points could most accurately measure our efforts.
What role does school culture play in ensuring a positive experience for teachers and students?
We all want to go to school every day to do our best work, be part of something bigger than ourselves, and feel a deep connection to our mission and values. It’s about being an impactful force during some of the most pivotal years of a student’s educational growth. I love the quote from the book The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups that says the purpose of the most successful organizations is as subtle as “a punch in the nose.” This is a powerful reminder that every moment and every interaction matters.
Through a strong, positive, and thriving culture that sees the potential of every learner and leader, the sky is the limit for student achievement. When this culture is in place, it provides the foundation for high-impact instruction, meaningful feedback, and deep learning, which ultimately accelerates the student learning experience for all.
What did attendees walk away with after your session?
During our session, we discussed how to build a principal’s advisory cabinet, empower students to lead all-school wellness initiatives, and foster a safe and thriving learning culture. We also highlighted specific, high-leverage instructional strategies designed to build sustainable systems of learning.
Vote for Our 2026 SXSW EDU + NASSP Sessions!
We’re thrilled to announce that we have three session proposals submitted for SXSW EDU, taking place March 9–12, 2026, featuring Principals of the Year, Assistant Principals of the Year, and student leaders. Your vote can help us share these innovative sessions with a larger audience! Voting is open until August 24, 2025, through the SXSW “Panel Picker” platform.
Session 1: The Wellness Imperative: Rethinking School Design
Mental health and educator burnout are top concerns in schools today—but school leaders often lack the time, tools, or support to respond effectively. In this interactive workshop, three nationally and state-recognized school leaders share real-world strategies for integrating wellness into leadership practice, using data, systems, and culture-building to center care in schools. Grounded in both current research and lived experience, this session offers more than ideas—it gives participants space to reflect, plan, and create actionable next steps for their own buildings.
Session 2: Tomorrow’s Tools Today: AI Solutions for School Leaders
Learn directly from two school leaders on how they’ve successfully integrated AI to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Discover proven tools and build systems to simplify workloads. Collaborate with leaders on current AI uses, then craft an action plan for your school. Plus, envision AI’s future in education!
Session 3: Student Voice, Real Power: Shaping Schools From Within
When students lead, schools transform. From honor societies to student councils and grassroots clubs, leadership programs can empower students to shape school culture, influence policy, and drive change. This session explores how schools can elevate student voice through diverse leadership opportunities. Learn how to support students as partners in equity, service, and innovation—and build systems where student voice is central, not symbolic.
Help us bring these valuable sessions to SXSW EDU 2026! Let’s amplify the voices of our school leaders and share their insights on innovative education.