School of Thought Blog

An Inspired Approach to SEL

As a secondary school leader, you know how challenging it can be to bring change into the classroom. You may also be wondering if it’s worth the time to incorporate social and emotional learning (SEL) activities. We have good news:

There are proven benefits of learning SEL skills far beyond the school community and student success. Studies have shown that the benefits are long-term and global, showing increased well-being in individuals up to 18 years later.

SEL lesson plans can be implemented during the school day in as little as 5–10 minutes, some with little-to-no prep.

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September 18, 2023

Exploring Principal Collaboration in South Korea

Embarking on a professional journey with the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) School Leadership Program in South Korea this past July was an exhilarating experience that broadened my understanding of global education dynamics and paved the way for enriching collaborations. I participated in this six-day program with NASSP’s 2023 National Principal of the Year, Donna Hayward, the principal of Haddam Killingworth High School in Higganum, CT. Because we come from different parts of the U.S., we were able to share our diverse experiences but also spotlight what we—and our principal colleagues around the country—have in common as part of NASSP.

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September 13, 2023

Belonging Education Technology Global Education inclusion Innovation Leadership NASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Network National Principal of the Year professional development school-community partnerships Women in School Leadership Network

Igniting the Conversation on Career Possibilities

Students starting a new school year often focus on beginnings—creating routines, initiating friendships, and starting classes. Beginnings are also an opportunity for students to think about where they’re heading. For most it’s toward a future career they’ll love.

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September 12, 2023

Three Ways to Help Student Leaders Learn From Failure

Failure is an essential part of life, and its impact on personal growth and development cannot be overstated. However, many student leaders who are accustomed to success and achievement perceive failure as a devastating blow to their self-esteem and academic futures. While they are typically willing to take risks as leaders, they are not always prepared when their efforts fall short. Often compounding their disappointments and anxieties are feelings of embarrassment and the sense they have let others down.

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September 7, 2023

Student leadership student voice

Urgent Call to Support Education: NASSP’s Letter to Congress

Today, NASSP and 45 state school leader associations sent a letter to Congress opposing the House of Representatives’ FY 2024 appropriations proposal that would cut education funding by 28%. Read the letter below and join your association in sending a pre-written message to your representatives urging them to fully fund vital K–12 programs.

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September 5, 2023

advocacy

Redefining Success for Youth Entrepreneurship Education

The head of a private high school in the United States recently reached out to me, concerned about the school’s three-year-old entrepreneurship program. The students were not working on innovative solutions and were not launching businesses based on their ideas. She wanted my guidance on what they were doing wrong and how the school could inspire these 15- to 18-year-olds to be more innovative.

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September 5, 2023

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessments Elevating Student Voice Student leadership

Sparking the Flame of Leadership at LEAD 2023

Once in a while, life gives us an opportunity to re-evaluate our mindset, think bigger, dive deeper into multiple perspectives, and learn life-changing skills that we’ll carry with us forever. For me, this opportunity came at NASSP’s LEAD Spark Conference in January 2023.

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August 29, 2023

Helping Our School Leaders, Educators, and Students in Maui

Aloha to all our school leader and educator colleagues across the country. As you know, the devastating fires in Lahaina in Maui have shaken all of us here in Hawaii. The entire nation has watched a tragedy unfold, and many of our colleagues have asked us how they can help the Maui schools, educators, students and their families. I’m writing to let everyone know how to donate to support this cause.

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August 22, 2023

community engagement Policy and Advocacy

Out-of-the-Box Solutions for Hiring During a Teacher Shortage

Twenty days before teachers return to our school this September, in the sweltering heat of the hottest summer in 120,000 years, at 5:01pm on the final day of the official deadline for teachers to notify principals of transfers, I received yet another teacher resignation. The Great Resignation continues, and education has turned into the Serengeti following the seasonal rains, like watching the wildebeest migration in real life.

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August 17, 2023

access and inclusion Belonging Principal pipeline principal pipeline: recruitment and retention Recruitment and Retention School Funding School Leaders of Color Network Women in School Leadership Network

Four Ways to Strengthen School Culture This Year

Recently, NASSP members have made headlines for their innovative ways to create and sustain a strong school culture. Check out these stories—and take your school culture to the next level this year.

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August 15, 2023

Ignite23 school climate school culture School Leadership

Moving From Good to Great This Year

With the start of the school year just around the corner, I want to share a note of encouragement with my colleagues around the country. First off, I want to acknowledge how hard you work in such a difficult job. The responsibilities of a school leader are staggering. In my first several years as an administrator, I had a poster on my wall that showed the exponential increase in school leadership duties from the common school movement to today. It is mind-blowing in its complexity. And yet, we still have the same 168 hours in a week. In 2017, pre-pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education shared an example of “A Day in the Life of a High School Principal” for a glimpse into today’s realities.

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August 10, 2023

NASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Network Women in School Leadership Network

Four Strategies for Strengthening the Principal-Student Council Relationship

The relationship between a principal and the student council is a strategic one that plays a vital role in shaping the overall educational experience and fostering a positive school culture. With the principal as the school leader and the student council representing the student body, a positive alliance steeped in collaboration and shared vision enhances communication, promotes student engagement, and drives positive change throughout the school community. As the school year begins, remember these four strategies to nurture your principal-student council relationship and enhance the educational journey.

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August 8, 2023

National Student Council NSC School Leadership Student leadership

Leading From a Place of Yes

I am honored and truly humbled to be named Massachusetts Principal of the Year. As we all know, it is a collective effort to create dynamic learning experiences in schools, and I could not accomplish anything without the incredibly talented educators I work with, who equally deserve this award. As I reflect on this recognition, I want to share how a few pivotal moments during my career have shaped who I am as a leader.

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August 2, 2023

Aspiring School Leaders Network Assistant Principals Network NASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Network Principal pipeline principal pipeline: recruitment and retention Recruitment and Retention Women in School Leadership Network

Wieczorek Looks Back on His Time with NASSP Board

Earlier this summer, Gregg Wieczorek wrapped up his seven-year tenure on the NASSP Board of Directors, including as president in 2021–2022. His final board meeting took place in California, where the entire board also participated in a service project at Poway High School. Wieczorek, who also retired this year from his position as principal of Arrowhead Union High School in Hartland, WI, reflects on his time on the board and as president.

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July 27, 2023

NASSP Board of Directors

Power Up Your Leadership With NASSP’s Ambassador Program

From left: Penny Vess, Jennifer Castillo, Keith Wood, EdD, Meta Viers (NASSP), Sharon U. Slater, PhD, and Jay Apostol, EdD, meet during Ignite 2023.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on students’ and school leaders’ lives? Do you want to grow as a leader? If you’re a member of NASSP or its student programs, we have exciting news for you! You have a chance to elevate your leadership journey and connect with like-minded NASSP members by applying for the NASSP Ambassador Program.

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July 24, 2023

Sparking Change at Ignite 2023

Robyn Jackson, PhD, and CEO of Mindsteps Inc., during a general session, “You cannot achieve 100% success with an 80% culture.”

For those passionate about leading and learning, the Mile High City was the place to be last week as nearly 2,000 school leaders gathered for Ignite 2023, the premier conference for secondary school leaders. With over 100 peer learning opportunities and interactive experiences held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, school leaders connected with colleagues from around the country and shared actionable strategies to better meet the complex challenges facing their school communities.

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July 18, 2023

Ignite23

Taking Pride in Ethnic Studies

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.

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June 27, 2023

Belonging inclusion Leadership LGBTQ+ School Leaders Network

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.

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June 16, 2023

Belonging Ignite23 inclusion LGBTQ+LGBTQ+ School Leaders Network Student leadership student voice

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.

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June 15, 2023

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.

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June 13, 2023

advocacy PRN