Center Focus
The Center for Innovative Leadership works to highlight transformative and innovative practices and strategies that serve as a catalyst for shaping the long-term impact of school improvement efforts.
The Center works to create a network of leaders who are in pursuit of the highest and most meaningful results for children, families and communities.
Leaders engaged in the work of the Center for Innovative Leadership are typically interested in learning about and implementing non-traditional approaches to learning that have the potential to result in significantly different outcomes.
Get Involved
Join the Community of Practice
Learn, grow, and connect with peers when you join the Center for Innovative Leadership’s community of practice.
Meet the Fellows
Liz Garden
NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership Fellow and Principal
Scott McLeod
NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership Fellow and Professor of Educational Leadership
Resources
Finding a Support Network and Giving Students a Voice
Read MoreIn this NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership video podcast, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Kansas principal Kelley Begley McCall about finding a supp…
Meeting the Students’ Needs During School Closures
Read MoreIn this NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership video podcast, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Virginia middle school principal Chuck Moss about meeting …
Advocacy Update: Coronavirus Stimulus Package
Read MoreThe bill includes funding for education, providing resources to schools and districts to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shifting from Parental Involvement to Parental Engagement
Read MoreIn this NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership video podcast, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Maryland principal Ryan Daniel about shifting from parenta…
Getting Students Active in School and in the Community
Read MoreIn this NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership video podcast, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Kansas middle school principal Don Epps about getting the …
Advocacy Update: November 2019 Staff
Read MoreWe discuss the FY20 budget, principal preparation legislation, and new ESSA per pupil expenditure requirements.
New Per Pupil Expenditure Requirements
Read MoreA new public-reporting requirement included in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that directly impacts principals is now taking effect across the country.
Advocacy Update: November 2019
Read MoreWe discuss the FY20 budget, principal preparation legislation, and new ESSA per pupil expenditure requirements.
Advocacy Update: January 2020
Read MoreThis year’s key issues include the FY20 budget, the youth vaping crisis, and public funding for private schools.
A Focus on Character Development for All Students
Read MoreIn this NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership video podcast, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Texas principal Amber Teamann about combining academics wi…
The NAESP App is here
Read MoreMembers can access resources, publications, updates, and more on their phones and tablets.
Early Childhood Education: Bringing Curriculum to Life
Read MoreIn our first NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership video podcast of 2020, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk about engaging early childhood students and bringi…
A Century of NAESP
Read MoreIn 2021, NAESP celebrates its 100-year anniversary. Donate memorabilia to be part of a 3-D art installation.
Where Principals Go to Learn
Read MoreFind information to help your teachers, forward-thinking ideas in education, and a network of principals at the NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Conference.
Tornado Alley: Keeping Students Safe—Physically and Emotionally—During Storms
Read MoreIn an interview for the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Oklahoma principal Scott Hein about keeping students saf…
Health and Wellness: Bringing the Outside Inside
Read MoreIn an interview for the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Pennsylvania principal Steve Smith about creating a welc…
Overcoming Obstacles: Improving an F Rating in a High-Trauma School
Read MoreIn an interview for the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Florida principal Cindy Emerson about helping students w…
Improving Attendance: It Takes a Village
Read MoreTo improve attendance, it takes a village—of students, families, faculty, and administrators all stepping in to make a difference. These four tips are a good p…
Advocacy Update: July 2019
Read MoreThe House proposes a major school funding boost; NAESP pushes for legislation improving principal preparation and weighs in on making the internet more afforda…
Use Grant Funding to Extend Learning Beyond the School Walls
Read MoreIn their fifth principal interview for the NAESP Center for Innovative Leadership, Andy Jacks and Hamish Brewer talk with Connecticut principal Diane MacKinnon…