Shantay Hill and Jamyson Posey emcee the LEAD National Student Leadership Conference in January. PHOTO BY ALLYSSA HYNES/NASSP

SHOUT-OUT TO STUDENT LEADERS

“Level Up” is THE THEME of National Student Leadership Week, April 22–26. In recent years, we’ve all been challenged to elevate our game, but it’s our student leaders who have truly risen to the occasion, showcasing innovation and resilience. By pushing boundaries and embracing growth, these young leaders exemplify what it means to “Level Up.” This week, and every week, we honor their extraordinary contributions. You can “Level Up” your participation by visiting studentleadershipweek.org for engaging activity ideas, social media graphics, and more.

Members of the Women in School Leadership Network at NASSP’s annual conference last summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF BETH HOUF

WOMEN IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP NETWORK FINISHES INAUGURAL YEAR

NASSP’S Women in School Leadership Network recently wrapped up its first year. Beth Houf, the principal of Capital City High School in Jefferson City, MO, and Katie Morgan, an assistant principal of Marysville High School in Marysville, OH, have led the network of women from around the country in online sessions to discuss their unique experiences. “We take pride in providing a safe space for a guest speaker to share her leadership journey and open the door for questions, advice, and lots of inspiration,” they say. Topics the group has discussed include work-life balance and navigating bias and stereotypes. The network has added a third facilitator, Atoi Sinclair, assistant principal of Milwaukee Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI. Read more at bit.ly/42veFZ3.

Kate Williams, principal of Cordova Jr./Sr. High School with the valedictorian, right, and salutatorian from the Class of 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE WILLIAMS

NASSP AMBASSADORS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES

Two NASSP Ambassadors—a principal and a student leader—share what they have learned by taking on these roles, and why others should consider applying.

• Ambassador Kate Williams is the principal of Cordova Jr./Sr. High School in Cordova, AK. “Being an Ambassador in 2023 expanded my horizons in the best possible way and made me further appreciate the network that’s there,” she says. “I knew to expect focused sessions where I’d collaborate with other Ambassadors to help NASSP design professional learning experiences that were meaningful to the membership. What I didn’t anticipate is all that I would get out of the experience and how incredibly meaningful it would turn out to be.”

• Ambassador Mia Riley is a senior and student council member at Ada High School in Ada, OK. Her group of NHS and student council members from across the country was asked to monitor trends, share ideas, and create video content for NHS and student council social media pages. “My advice to the next group of Ambassadors is don’t be afraid to put yourself out there,” she says. “We need more leaders like you to embrace the challenge and make a difference. Creativity flows in each of us in various ways, and collaborating with so many unique minds truly creates magic.”

Read more at bit.ly/4bzIT0Q and bit.ly/3UApN4N.

Petersburg, AK, one of the communities receiving funding from the Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program. PHOTO COURTESY OF PBSD

GRANT ADVICE FROM ALASKA

The Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) recently secured a Teacher and School Leader Incentive Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. For Alaskan educators, that means improved professional development, higher compensation, and a better chance of staying in the classroom. ACSA Grant Director Sam Jordan shared the following tips for state associations seeking grants:

• Stay informed of grant possibilities and build a prospective network of partnerships.
• Subscribe to updates from federal grant agencies, such as the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and Grants.gov.
• Foster relationships with experienced grant writers who understand your educational context.
• Conduct a needs survey with your district to ensure your proposal is aligned with ground-level requirements.

Read more at bit.ly/3SCAGk3.