School of Thought Blog

With content from practicing school leaders and education experts, our School of Thought Blog offers a wealth of information and research on emergent education issues.

NHS Induction Essentials

Each spring, National Honor Society (NHS) chapters around the world hold induction ceremonies to welcome new members. For advisers, the induction ceremony is a major event that requires careful planning and preparation. Our store offers a wide range of high-quality induction gear, including certificates, pins, and banners. In this post, we’ll highlight induction essentials that every adviser needs to ensure a successful and memorable ceremony.

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Chasing Hours: A More Meaningful Service Requirement

As advisers and principals work tirelessly to count service hours as part of their district, school, or program requirements, it’s important to reflect on the process and meaning behind collecting this information. Are we collecting service hours to check off a graduation requirement? Or do staff and students understand the greater purpose? Does a focus on the number of hours required unintentionally hinder youth service? I’d encourage us all to evaluate our roles in administering service requirement programs and understand how our decisions impact students’ abilities to drive change.

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New NASSP Leadership Network for Women

March is Women’s History Month, a time when we recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout American history. In honor of this month, we want to highlight a new opportunity for women in school leadership to collaborate and support one another.

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Women in Leadership: Advice from Members of NASSP’s Board

In honor of Women’s History Month and the amazing work you do as school leaders on behalf of your students and staff, we have gathered insights from five women on the NASSP Board of Directors who have faced challenges and succeeded in their careers. Whether you’re just starting out in your leadership journey or are well on your way, we hope this advice helps inspire you as you navigate the ups and downs of leadership.

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Support, Coach, and Sustain to Recruit and Retain

When I became a school administrator over 15 years ago, the applicant pool for filling certified teaching vacancies was deep, if not overflowing. It was not uncommon to receive ten or more quality résumés from which to select worthy candidates. Two and possibly three rounds of interviews might ensue to select the best person for the open position.

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Anna-Lisa Mackey

Prepare Future-Ready Graduates for Success with Emozi® High School SEL

Social emotional learning (SEL) is growing up and going to high school. For years, SEL was seen as a subject only needed in the younger grades. However, school closures, stress, and pandemic uncertainty highlighted the need for all students to learn how to manage strong emotions, solve difficult problems, “read the room” both online and in person, and maintain healthy friendships.

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Suzan E. Harris, PhD, Kendra H. Jenkins, Alison D. Williams

The Power of Collective Efficacy: Accessing Relevant Professional Development to Combat the Impact of COVID-19

On the other side of COVID-19, we continue to experience the ramifications of the pandemic’s effects on students academically and emotionally and on teachers’ skills to address these issues. At Henderson Middle School in Jackson, GA, we quickly realized that it would take collective teacher efficacy to help us face these challenges—and that quality professional development was needed.

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David Arowolo

What Black History Month Means to Me

I believe that Black History Month is not just a time to remember the history of African Americans but a time to understand the importance of three things: advocacy, activism, and societal progress. Over the years, advocacy in particular has changed our world for the better. As students, my peers and I are aware of leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. But what made them important advocates and remarkable leaders is their common passion for change, progress, and peace within our community—which is why Black History Month means so much to me.

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Recruitment and Retention Strategies to Increase School Leader Diversity

“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 her leadership journey.

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Remind Your Students to Apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award

Are your NJHS students showing their commitment to the five pillars of National Junior High Society: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship? Then encourage them to apply for the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA). The top 500 students will receive a $500 college savings plan to support their educational aspirations. Applications are due March 29. Below, we highlight what three NJHS advisers have to say about the award’s impact on their students and their chapters. Take their word for it: This is an opportunity you don’t want your students to miss!

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Keira Adams

How LEAD Spark Leaves a Lasting Impression

Great leaders weren’t always leaders in every aspect or moment of life. The best leaders were followers that took the time to absorb knowledge and perspectives from all. LEAD Spark, which I attended last month, is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any student to ignite their leadership through interactive presenters and motivational speakers.

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How NHS Gives All Students a Bigger Voice

The National Honor Society chapter at Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, MD, feels like one big family. The same is true of our whole school, and especially the other student organizations and the science and technology program that I’m enrolled in. The teachers make everyone feel welcome, no matter your background, and the other students are like that, too.

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