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…)School of Thought Blog
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
(more…)Why Helping Students Navigate Tough Conversations Matters More Than Ever Â
The ability to navigate tough conversations and foster growth through civil discourse is more important than ever. As cultural, economic, and political challenges persist across the country, it’s not just adults dealing with these issues and conflicts in their lives. Students are also wrestling with tough questions, though most of them don’t yet have the skills or experience to navigate them. Â
Which NASSP Sessions Do You Want to See at SXSW EDU?Â
NASSP is proposing three new sessions for the 2026 SXSW EDU Conference & Festival. One of the largest and most influential education conferences in the country, SXSW EDU will choose new sessions to include based on three elements, one of which is public voting. The polls close August 24, 2025, so make your selection today!  Â
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My 5 Favorite Things About the United ConferenceÂ
My guiding philosophy for professional development is that gaining even a single new idea constitutes a successful experience. Last month, I attended United: The National Conference on School Leadership in Seattle. I was profoundly impressed by the insights presented. Rather than just one idea, I returned with 21 pages of innovative strategies to implement at my school this year, spanning reflections on maintaining a strong sense of purpose, creative concepts for murals, and innovative applications of AI in education. Interested in learning more? Here are just a few of my favorites from the conference.Â
(more…)Five Advocacy Tips to Get Your Voice HeardÂ
Terri Daniels, EdD, is the 2025 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year. The principal of Folsom Middle School in Folsom, CA, Daniels has more than 40 years of experience in public and private schools. Her leadership and advocacy have had a profound impact on educational policy at the state and national levels.  
(more…)Meet NASSP High School National Assistant Principal of the Year Saani PerryÂ
Rahsaan “Saani” Perry, the assistant principal of West Florence High School in Florence, SC, was recently named NASSP’s 2025 High School National Assistant Principal of the Year and the next principal of John W. Moore Middle School. We asked him about the honor and what it means to him and his school.
(more…)Celebrating the 2025–26 National Principal of the Year FinalistsÂ
At NASSP, we know that great schools begin with great leaders. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce six exceptional school leaders as finalists for the 2025–26 Middle Level National Principal of the Year and High School National Principal of the Year awards. From combating chronic absenteeism to implementing no cell phone policies to retaining teachers post-pandemic, these finalists exemplify the best in educational leadership.Â
(more…)Meet NASSP Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year Liz NelsonÂ
Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson, the associate principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI, was recently named NASSP’s 2025 Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year. We asked her about the honor and what it means to her and her school.
(more…)Four Tips to Make Middle School Graduation a SuccessÂ
At Butler Middle School in Waukesha, WI, where Laura Jennaro is the principal, more than 250 eighth graders will gather in June for the last event of their middle school years: graduation. The school calls it a recognition ceremony to keep the focus on recognizing students’ varied achievements and to help them celebrate a milestone in their school careers. Here, Jennaro, an NASSP ambassador, shares four tips for ensuring the ceremony is a success at her school and what other principals might consider when planning their ceremonies, which will be here very soon.Â
(more…)Get Ready to Lead: What’s Next at UNITED 2025 
Let’s be honest: Engaging in professional development opportunities—let alone attending a national conference—might feel like the last thing on your list right now. But if you’re carrying the weight of leading through burnout, political pressures, and constant change, UNITED 2025 is your lifeline.
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Sharing My Real Mental Health JourneyÂ
Mental health advocacy is my passion. This past year I’ve put everything I can into it by sharing my story. For a long time though, when I tried to speak about my mental health, I tended to filter my words. I would always spin what I was saying into a more positive story and ignore the truly sad and dark parts of my mental health journey. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to share my real story more widely and hopefully encourage others to do the same.
(more…)Celebrating National Student Leadership Week in Puerto RicoÂ
The student council at TASIS Dorado, a private school in Dorado, Puerto Rico, has a tradition of celebrating National Student Leadership Week (NSLW) to honor students who might not get the recognition they deserve as student leaders. This week, TASIS Dorado students and their adviser are looking at ways to make their celebration even larger and more inclusive. Adviser Karen Miranda and student Tobias Luksemberg, the council secretary, share how their school celebrates NSLW.
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Combating Spring AbsenteeismÂ
Spring in a beach town is beautiful and a bit of a nightmare for school attendance. At Keansburg High School in Keansburg, NJ, where chronic absenteeism peaked at 40% post-pandemic, the warming weather often signals a drop in engagement. With its beach, boardwalk, and amusement park, our town is known as the gateway to the Jersey Shore. But rather than accept the spring slide, we’ve developed a multi-tiered approach to keep our students showing up, learning, and feeling like they matter.Â
(more…)The UNITED 2025 Agenda Is Live: Find Your Path Forward
Navigate 200+ Sessions With Guides Focused on What You’re FacingÂ
The full UNITED 2025 agenda is live, featuring more than 200 sessions designed to support principals and assistant principals leading in a rapidly shifting landscape. NASSP’s annual conference will bring together over 4,000 school leaders for two days of learning and connection.
(more…)Your 2025 UNITED Agenda: Mental HealthÂ
Lead With Compassion: Mental Health at UNITED 2025
Leadership today demands more than vision—it requires heart. With student needs intensifying and staff exhaustion growing, mental health support has never been more critical. These UNITED 2025 sessions are designed to help leaders foster safe, inclusive, and emotionally responsive school environments.
(more…)Your 2025 UNITED Agenda: AI PreparednessÂ
Confidently Navigate AI in Schools
AI is changing education fast. UNITED 2025 offers leaders space to ask the right questions, build practical strategies, and learn from peers who are navigating AI responsibly and ethically.
(more…)Your 2025 UNITED Agenda: EquityÂ
Equity in Action: Strategies That LeadÂ
Supporting all students takes more than good intentions—it takes courageous, informed action. These sessions help you navigate political pushback, cultural tension, and legal restrictions with clarity and care.
(more…)Your 2025 UNITED Agenda: Staff Well-Being
Support Your People, Sustain Your SchoolÂ
When educators thrive, schools succeed. These sessions will help you invest in your staff through recognition, retention, and relationship-centered leadership.
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