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.
(more…)School of Thought Blog
Elevating the Importance of Teen Mental Health
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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Leading with Love
- 1 country
- 7 days
- 40 volunteers
- 650 students
- 10,000 plastic bottles
- Forever changed.
Middle School Leaders NetworkNASSP Principal of the Year Alumni NetworkRural School Leaders NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Weaving Black History Throughout Our School
Some schools celebrate Black History Month with a big event that focuses on prominent leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. The problem is that students already know about those leaders, partly because they are so well known and partly because students learn about them in their American history courses.
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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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Staying Focused on What Matters: Our Students
Earlier this month, I had the honor of serving as a panelist for a webinar held by the Learning First Alliance. The topic was on the results of local elections in 2022 and what the future may hold for local elections in 2023.
(more…)Letter: Free and Reduced-Price Internet for Your Students
Aloha,
As we begin 2023, I want to thank you for your tireless leadership and support for our students and educators. During this time of continued recovery, you serve as unwavering pillars of hope and strength for your communities, and for that we are deeply grateful.
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Advancing Student Equity and Access in Math
Proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math is key to global competitiveness as a nation and a higher standard of living as an individual. Disparities in access to high-quality math instruction and rigorous, research-based curriculum have contributed to a significant opportunity gap in the U.S.
(more…)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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Resources for Expanding College-Readiness Opportunities
School leaders know exposure to advanced coursework increases graduation and college-going rates. Students who take AP® courses and exams have better college outcomes than their peers, even if they don’t earn a score that qualifies them for college credit or advanced placement. Research shows that expanding access to more students creates more opportunities.
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Building an NHS Chapter From the Ground Up
When I joined the faculty at the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, MD, in November 2021, I was asked by the new principal to be the NHS adviser because of my previous experience as an NJHS adviser. As I began to gather information, I learned that the chapter wasn’t active and that all the members had graduated the previous year.
(more…)Spreading Joy at School This Holiday Season
School leaders are finding extra ways to celebrate their staff members this holiday season. We have gathered some of the best ideas from Twitter to share with you.
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This Holiday Season Make Time for You
As I’ve traveled across the country meeting with school leaders these last few months, I’ve asked this question: “How are you doing?”
(more…)Meet NASSP President Aaron Huff
New NASSP President Aaron Huff is in his fifth year as principal of Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville, IN. The variety of education roles Huff has held—for example, working in elementary, middle, and high schools with a wide range of demographics—has given him a well-rounded perspective on school leadership. We asked him about his excitement at being able to dive in and advocate for principals at the national level.
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What I’ve Learned as a Mother, School Leader, and Colleague
Last week, Ashley Bowling, the assistant principal of Florence Middle School in Florence, AL, and the 2022 Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year, was the keynote speaker at the Inaugural Teacher Candidate Pinning Ceremony at the University of North Alabama. We highlight her remarks below in the hopes that they will inspire other school leaders to share their wisdom so that other educators can learn and grow.
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