Several years ago, I believed our middle school elective program was meeting student needs. We offered band, choir, art, computers, and physical education. These are programs adults traditionally view as well-rounded and sufficient. When I asked students what they wanted from electives, I expected requests for better materials or more variety within those same offerings.
(more…)School of Thought Blog
3 Reasons to Apply for the NASSP Board of DirectorsÂ
Serving as a school leader means making decisions every day that impact students, staff, and communities. For many principals and assistant principals, there comes a moment when the question shifts from “How do I lead my school well?” to “How can my experience help shape the profession?”
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Teaching the Next Generation of Principals
As I close in on nearly 30 years in education, I recently reflected with my wife (also a principal here in Colorado) about our teacher preparation programs—and how much I didn’t enjoy them as much as my principal preparation coursework. The relevance of courses like School Law, Budget & Finance, and Instructional Leadership, combined with the engaging and thoughtful instructors I had the privilege of learning from, planted a seed that I could see myself teaching those courses someday.
(more…)Getting Your Honor Society Ready for Spring InductionsÂ
Spring induction season is a time of celebration and reflection. It’s when chapters honor students for their academic excellence and welcome new members to their school’s NHS chapter. For advisers, it’s also a rewarding opportunity to recognize scholarship, service, leadership, and character in action.Â
(more…)7 Practices to Ensure a Respectful Interview ProcessÂ
For some, interviewing is a thrilling process full of opportunity and fresh beginnings. For others, it’s an intimidating experience filled with uncertainty and self-doubt.Â
(more…)Insights Into Peer Supports From the National Student Council Â
A recent publication by the Partnership for Student Success (PSS) at the Johns Hopkins University Everyone Graduates Center highlights several models for how high school students can be meaningfully involved in support roles that foster success for both those giving and receiving support. After all, peer influence is a powerful driver of student engagement and well-being. Â
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The Giving Tree Â
I’ve always dreaded winter break. While my classmates looked forward to family celebrations, I prepared for loneliness. The absence of a “normal” family weighed heavily on me, a quiet ache I carried this time of the year. Christmas, once magical in my childhood, slowly lost its warmth the older I got, leaving only reminders of the family I longed for.Â
(more…)5 Reasons to Join NASSP in 2026Â Â
As 2025 winds to a close, it’s the perfect time to consider your goals for the year ahead. If one of them is to take leadership to the next level, then it’s time to join NASSP—if you aren’t already a member.Â
(more…)Advocating for My Sister With National Student Council on Capitol Hill Â
Growing up with a little sister with Down syndrome has meant seeing both the beauty and the flaws in how our society treats people with special needs. From watching her cry at home and repeating, “I have no friends,” to watching her face light up when she is with friends who truly accept her, I have seen all aspects of her life up close. Â
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5 Tips to Encourage Students to Apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award Â
Each year, NJHS recognizes 500 middle level students for their commitment to the five pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship through the Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA). The students selected receive a $500 college savings plan to support their educational aspirations.Â
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What Is NASSP’s District Leaders Network?Â
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.Â
(more…)Meet a 2025 NHS Chapter Pillar Award WinnerÂ
Each year, NASSP recognizes around 200 NHS and NJHS chapters with Pillar Awards for embracing Honor Society core values. There are five award categories: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character, and Overall Excellence. Winners receive a digital recognition package, including a seal for their chapter website.
(more…)A Proud Principal and His PodcastÂ
NASSP’s 2025–26 National High School Principal of the Year, Tony Cattani, hosts the Proud Principals Podcast, which celebrates the incredible work of school leaders. Each week, the principal of Lenape High School in Medford, NJ, interviews a fellow educational leader to learn how they inspire success. In every podcast, Cattani asks his guests: “What is your proudest principal effort?” Read on for what he said when he sat on the other side of the microphone and answered that question himself. Â
(more…)NHS Chapter Essentials for Every MilestoneÂ
Running an NHS chapter is an exciting responsibility—but it also comes with a lot of moving pieces. Whether you’re preparing for inductions, celebrating senior achievements, or recognizing student leadership throughout the year, having the right tools on hand makes everything smoother. Here are a few chapter essentials every adviser should keep stocked:
(more…)5 Must-Read Posts in Honor of National Principals MonthÂ
Today marks the start of October, that special month when we honor principals nationwide. To kick off the celebration of your hard work and dedication, we’re re-upping the following School of Thought posts from our members—middle and high school principals and assistant principals just like you. Â
(more…)How One NASSP Board Member Supports New Teachers
September can be a scramble. In addition to a fresh cohort of students to look forward to, principals must often onboard brand-new teachers. Most arrive excited to get started but may lack the practical experience needed to handle the day-to-day realities of teaching in high school. Below, Greg Johnson, the principal of West Liberty-Salem High School in West Liberty, OH, and an NASSP board member, offers strategies for creating supportive environments where new teachers thrive—and students reap the benefits.Â
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4 Reasons to Engage in Student Council This YearÂ
Ever since my election last spring to the National Student Council, I’ve met some amazing people from our officers’ team, our fantastic state representatives, and our national advisers from NASSP, Ann Postlewaite and Taryn Erminio. However, getting to this point and being able to experience these opportunities is something I would have never imagined for myself two years ago when I first joined student council.
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Honoring My Heritage This Hispanic Heritage Month Â
As a child of immigrants, I have always taken great pride in being an American of Mexican descent. My earliest memories include long family trips driving six hours south to visit relatives in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, the Mexican border town across from Presidio, TX. Spanish was my first language, and at home, my parents spoke almost exclusively Spanish. At school, as one of the older children, I was placed in the English as a Second Language program at Sundown Elementary School, in the district where I serve as the middle school principal. My father worked as a manual laborer in the oilfield, while my mother cared for six children at home.Â
(more…)4 Reasons to Build Your Career Pathway Program With NASSPÂ
September is Workforce Development Month, a time for school leaders to consider how they are preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. In a rapidly evolving job market, the traditional path isn’t the only route to success. Principals like you can ensure students have access to pathways, bridging the gap between education and meaningful employment. But where do you begin? NASSP’s newest offering, NASSP Academy, offers a comprehensive roadmap. Connecting Classrooms to Careers, NASSP Academy’s first foundational course, is an asynchronous online course for school leaders passionate about workforce development. Here are four reasons why you should take this course:Â
(more…)Another Chance to Teach the 4 NHS Pillars Â
For NHS advisers, a new school year brings fresh opportunities to develop the next generation of student leaders. Here, Kathryn Kula, a chemistry teacher and NHS and student council adviser at Jefferson Township High School in Jefferson, NJ, shares how she helps students better understand and uphold the four pillars of NHS.  Â
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