The anthropologist Margaret Mead famously wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” As a school leader, I hold onto these words with fierce conviction. In a world where calls for universal, quality education or the equal rights of […]
Creating Just Communities
Feature Facts: October 2023
The Challenge of Chronic Absenteeism Increasing rates of chronic absenteeism continue to be a major challenge for schools. If students aren’t in school, they can’t learn. In a roundtable discussion, three school leaders discuss what they’ve done to lessen the impact of chronic absenteeism. These leaders include Bebi Davis, a vice principal of Kawananakoa Middle […]
Advocacy Agenda: September 2023
As educators, we know that our students thrive when parents and teachers work together to provide a high-quality, age-appropriate education for every child. In fact, that kind of collaboration is at the heart of our public schools, where decisions are made by those who know how best to serve students in that community. In the […]
Taking Pride in Ethnic Studies
In honor of Pride Month, I want to share my experience advocating for Ethnic Studies, an interdisciplinary field that empowers diverse and often marginalized voices. At a time when America is increasingly polarized, the field of Ethnic Studies has become a contentious topic that often pulls apart communities. As education leaders, our role is to […]
2021 State Principals of the Year
Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity will select one middle level and one high school principal to represent their state. State winners are selected from applications submitted to the state associations. Each state’s selection process and […]
The Secret to Sustained Student Council Success
The student council at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, VA, has been recognized as a National Council of Excellence 15 times, ever since the school first opened. The award recognizes student councils for implementing a strong leadership program that meets council goals; functioning in an ethical and responsible way; and engaging others in leadership, spirit, […]
2022 State Assistant Principals of the Year
Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Office of Overseas Schools, and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity will select one assistant principal to represent their state. State winners are selected from applications submitted to the state associations. Because each state’s selection process varies, please contact your state association for more information on their […]
Advocacy Agenda: May 2023
“Everywhere I looked, leadership didn’t look like me. But our students did,” says Danielle Edwards, a school leader and Spelman College alumna who sought school leadership opportunities in her school community. In the absence of guidelines and a career pathway, she relied on her network of Spelman sisters and like-minded colleagues to help her navigate […]
Elevating Student Voice
When I was hired at Haddam Killingworth High School in Higganum, CT, the superintendent told me after my interview that there was “a magic moment” when it was clear I was the school’s next leader. The so-called “magic” happened when a senior student on the interview committee and I made a connection. I don’t remember […]
Transgender Day of Visibility Brings Voice to School Leaders
Every day, I lead a community of students, teachers, and families who come together to create an environment where holistic, rigorous instruction is intertwined with a deliberate approach to empowering students to make the world a more just place. At the International Community School, a K–5 public charter school in Decatur, GA, we believe that […]