In honor of AP Week, School of Thought asked me to reflect on work that I’m most proud of as a school leader. I have chosen to share about implementing restorative practices, which many of my colleagues are also working hard to get right in schools across the country.
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The Use of Restorative Practices: A Work in Progress
Expanding Their Impact: Checking in with State Assistant Principals of the Year
It’s AP Week, a time to celebrate the terrific work of assistant principals across the country. To highlight all that they do, we spoke with three NASSP 2022 State Assistant Principals of the Year: Diane Fox, an assistant principal of Hampton Bays in Hampton Bays, NY; Amber Grady, previous assistant principal of Elkins High School in Missouri City, TX; and Scott Wisniewski, an assistant principal of Wayne Valley High School in Wayne, NJ.
(more…)Assistant Principals NetworkNASSP Assistant Principals of the Year Alumni NetworkSchool Leaders of Color NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Principal Melissa Shindel: The 2023 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year
This winter, a group of school leaders from across the country came together to review contenders for NASSP’s Advocacy Champion of the Year. Going in, they knew this wouldn’t be easy. The awardee had to embody the mission of the organization and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advocating on behalf of school leaders and schools. Although a number of candidates were deserving, one stood out.
(more…)Pursuing the Path to School Leadership
Jessica Rehberg, an assistant principal of Winder-Barrow High School in Winder, GA, is the first to admit that the principalship isn’t the most romantic calling—at least at first. “Whether you’re a child or college kid dreaming of being a teacher, school leadership isn’t something you necessarily aspire to,” she says. “Rather, the desire to lead comes with experience, not just seeing the great things that happen under a good leader but also the ways you can contribute. As you get a sense of the bigger picture of how schools run, you can’t help but get ideas.”
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Transgender Day of Visibility Brings Voice to School Leaders
Every day, I lead a community of students, teachers, and families who come together to create an environment where holistic, rigorous instruction is intertwined with a deliberate approach to empowering students to make the world a more just place. At the International Community School, a K–5 public charter school in Decatur, GA, we believe that differences are not a challenge to overcome but an asset that strengthens our community. As principal, I continuously preach this to my staff and students, encouraging them to be their authentic selves in all that they do. As a community, we can’t appreciate differences if we don’t celebrate and uplift them from within.
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A Powerful Collaboration Between School Leaders and Student Leaders
Here in Washington state, we have what I think is a unique—and powerful—relationship between the Association of Washington Student Leaders (where I serve as director) and the Association of Washington School Principals. The best way to put it is that we work in tandem: The principals’ association supports principals on down and we support students on up, and we meet in a really cool place in the middle.
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Student Leaders Help Peers Dance the Night Away
In late January, our NHS chapter at Montrose High School in Montrose, CO, hosted a dance for students with special needs. While our students in mainstream classes organize several events throughout the year, such as homecoming, prom, and various sporting events, to help make their high school experience memorable, many students with special needs do not participate for a variety of reasons. As a chapter, we decided to host an event that would help these students feel comfortable and included.
(more…)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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Maximize Your District’s Data: Aggregating Multiple Data Points
Over the past two decades, Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) have emerged as a framework to improve outcomes for all students. By utilizing a data-based, decision-making model, educators are better equipped to match student needs.
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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.
(more…)Aspiring School Leaders NetworkAssistant Principals NetworkMiddle School Leaders NetworkNASSP Principal of the Year Alumni NetworkRural School Leaders NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
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.
(more…)Aspiring School Leaders NetworkMiddle School Leaders NetworkRural School Leaders NetworkUrban School Leaders NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Harnessing the Positive Power of Social Media
Telling a school’s story on social media can be powerful. Just ask principal Michael Randolph. Randolph is in his sixth year leading Leesburg High School in Leesburg, FL, and he has helped to transform the community’s perception of the school simply by using social media.
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Elevating the Importance of Teen Mental Health
Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day. In honor of it, I want to share how school budget cuts inadvertently led me to take a closer look at the importance of mental health. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
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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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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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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.
(more…)Aspiring School Leaders NetworkAssistant Principals NetworkMiddle School Leaders NetworkRural School Leaders NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
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.
(more…)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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