Designed to foster connection, learning, and engagement, the District Leaders Network is NASSP’s newest Leadership Network. It’s a dedicated space for those serving in district-level leadership roles, such as superintendents, assistant superintendents, district administrators, university faculty, and executive coaches.
Why Do We Need It?
As co-facilitators, Gordon Klasna and I provide a supportive environment for district-level leaders. It’s a place to come together, learn, and connect with others navigating similar challenges. There are many leadership roles in schools outside of the principalship. Together with NASSP, we want to support stronger connections within the work of schools.
While NASSP supports secondary school principals and assistant principals, many other leadership positions in schools and districts don’t have this kind of unique camaraderie. That’s why this network is needed.
How Does It Work?
We meet on the first Wednesday evening of the month for about an hour on Zoom, because our members come from all over the country. Our mission is to create a structure that allows everyone to share openly without fear of judgement and to trust in the confidentiality of our time together. It also means that everyone in our meetings has a voice.
During our time together, we provide a safe and collaborative space for leaders to share strategies and ask questions. We can discuss anything a member adds to the agenda, including transitioning to new roles at the district level, effectively leading workforce development, strengthening community relations, and supporting staff.
What is Discussed?
We have a success-minded format in our meetings. We talk about individual goals and the steps needed to make those happen. We also discuss instructional leadership, data-driven decision- making, and many other topics district-level leaders face, such as:
Building strong teams: We embrace culturally responsive leadership that builds trust and morale for staff and students.
Community engagement: We discuss new ways to lead through community-building practices.
Conflict resolution: We share ideas on how to navigate challenging staff or family situations and develop high emotional intelligence.
Instructional leadership: We share strategies on leading for learning, best ways to give feedback, and how to promote teacher development.
Vision and goals: We create both personal and professional goals that align leadership values with school culture.
Wellness and sustainability: We discuss how to avoid burnout as a leader, support staff wellness, and achieve work-life balance.
Recognizing that administrators in charge often lack peers to turn to for support, the network provides a safe, confidential space where district leaders can connect, learn, and navigate shared journeys together. Our meetings are always a worthy investment of time.
Learn more about the NASSP District Leaders Network.
