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 persevere and to explain that it is not Ethnic Studies that is dividing us but a lack of empathy and understanding. The antidote to this division is Intersectional Ethnic Studies.
(more…)School of Thought Blog
Taking Pride in Ethnic Studies
Helping LGBTQ+ People Thrive in the Public School Setting
LGBTQ+ students’ lives are being heavily scrutinized and controlled because of the many anti-trans bills and policies being passed at the local, state, and federal levels. These policies have an impact on all students because they concern school uniforms, bathroom use, and sports participation.
(more…)
How to Create Efficiencies in PD and Instructional Coaching
Principals’ plates are undoubtedly overflowing. From ensuring smooth daily operations to spearheading strategic initiatives, their responsibilities are diverse and demanding. Amidst these numerous duties, focusing on effectively supporting instructional coaching and teacher professional development can seem daunting, if not impossible.
(more…)PRN Members Share Their Experiences—and Their Wisdom—in Washington, D.C.
Members of NASSP’s Principal Recovery Network (PRN), a group of current and former school leaders who have experienced gun violence in their buildings, met with federal officials and members of Congress in Washington, D.C. last week to discuss the pressing need to reduce the alarming number of school shootings.
(more…)Increasing Student Motivation and Agency at Ignite 2023
Schools should support each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses to help them reach their potential through engaging, active learning that encourages critical thinking and student voice. As a school leader, you’ll want to attend Ignite 2023—NASSP’s National School Leader Conference—July 12–15, in Denver, CO. The conference will offer dozens of sessions that will help you increase student motivation and agency within your school. To get you fired up, we spotlight three sessions here.
(more…)
NHS: Not Only a Program but a Platform
Teenagers have a natural tendency to view the National Honor Society (NHS) as something that only elite and privileged students do. Way too many students drift through high school thinking the organization is not for them. As the school year comes to an end, I want to share why teenagers should consider participating in NHS next year. So, if you’re a student reading this post, I am here to tell you why NHS is for YOU.
(more…)Creating an Environment That Supports Whole School Wellness at Ignite 2023
Schools have a responsibility to promote and support the mental health and well-being of both students and adults, which leads to deeper learning and success. As a school leader, you’ll want to attend Ignite 2023—NASSP’s National School Leader Conference—July 12–15, in Denver, CO. The conference will offer dozens of sessions that will help you learn how to better approach social emotional learning and create a supportive environment in your school. To get you fired up, we spotlight three sessions here.
(more…)Reflecting on AAPI Heritage Month
In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe and Managing Director of Leadership Development Robyn Hamasaki—both born and raised in Hawaii—talk about their backgrounds and issues related to Asian American educators and students in our schools.
(more…)Improving School Climate and Culture at Ignite 2023
A supportive school environment starts with strong relationships between staff, faculty, families, and students. Promoting trust and a sense of inclusion leads to successful teaching and learning. As a school leader, you’ll want to attend Ignite 2023—NASSP’s National School Leader Conference—July 12–15, in Denver, CO. The conference will offer dozens of sessions that will help you improve school climate and culture. To get you fired up, we spotlight three sessions here.
(more…)Quick Tips to Ensure Graduation Runs Smoothly
Graduation is one of the most important occasions on a school leader’s calendar. This milestone signifies both an ending and a beginning–a fond farewell to years of student growth and learning at your school, and an exciting introduction to life’s next chapter. Follow the advice below from three school leaders on how to make the most of this moment.
(more…)Ignite 2023: Meet the Headline-Making Speakers
As we draw closer to Ignite 2023, NASSP’s School Leader Conference, taking place July 12–15 in Denver, CO, the buzz is all about the stellar lineup of speakers. This conference, the premier event for secondary school leaders, brings together thought leaders in education, offering a unique platform for shared wisdom and groundbreaking ideas.
(more…)
Helping Students to Show What They Know and Be Seen
I was a first-generation college student. I was also a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. In both my personal and professional lives, I’ve seen how inequitable access to academic resources and opportunities can create gaps for students.
(more…)
Honoring Our Humanity with AAPI Heritage Month
It’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In China, when walking past banners promoting women’s rights and elevating the people’s voice, my father would always comment on the fact that celebration or slogan is only needed when pride or circumstances are lacking. I think the same applies to AAPI Month.
(more…)NHS Students Provide Senior Citizens with Much-Needed Tech Support
When three NHS members realized that their grandparents all struggled with using technology, they decided to help local senior citizens facing similar challenges. Aaron Smolyar, a junior at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, FL, and two of his friends, Christian Laquis and Derrick Hueniken, recently wanted to do a community service project to fulfill their NHS chapter’s service requirements. Helping in this way seemed like a perfect fit. “We all had that shared experience,” Smolyar says. “This was a way to spend our time that not only was meaningful to us, but we would enjoy doing it.”
(more…)500 NJHS Students Earn Outstanding Achievement Awards
NASSP and The Education Plan® are proud to congratulate the recipients of the 2023 National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA)!
(more…)Building Leadership Capacity at Ignite 2023
Leading a school with a set of collaborative systems and structures is essential to empowering teachers and student leaders in your building. As a school leader, you’ll want to attend Ignite 2023—NASSP’s National School Leader Conference—July 12–15, in Denver, CO. The conference will offer dozens of sessions that will help you focus on building leadership capacity. To get you fired up, we spotlight three sessions here.
(more…)
Leveraging Connections to Increase Student Motivation
In the wake of the pandemic, both student motivation and engagement in the classroom continue to concern school leaders.
(more…)
Reflecting on the Principalship This Mother’s Day
I recently came across another principal’s tweet: “Relationships during the day, and paperwork at night.” As a veteran school leader, the notion of principals being the first to arrive at school and the last to leave, while working well into the evening has caused me much angst.
(more…)Texas Student Wins NSLW Sticker Design Contest
Morgan Go, a junior at Stony Point High School in Round Rock, TX, is the winner of the first-ever sticker design contest for National Student Leadership Week (NSLW) held in April. Go is the secretary of her school’s NHS chapter and will serve as vice president next school year. Here, she talks about the contest and her interest in graphic design.
(more…)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, civic, and service activities. Grassfield Student Council Association adviser Alicia White and SCA president Ethan Clarke share why the school’s student council has been able to maintain such consistent success.
(more…)