Finding Inspiration

In-person learning. My district has been able to sustain in-person learning for all students and managed it well. It’s a testament to the leadership in my district.

—Pam Meier (@psmeier), Arrowhead Elementary School, Billings, Montana

Good cheer. The laughter and happiness of my students. They are happy to be back in school, and their happiness is always uplifting.

—David Hudzick (@DavidHudzick), Clarence A. Piggott Academy of International Studies, Las Vegas, Nevada

Face-to-face learning. I enjoy having all my students and staff back on campus, and seeing the kids excited to learn face to face. My campus thrives on relationships and culture.

—Benjamin Perez (@bentheprincipal), Taylor Ray Elementary School, Rosenberg, Texas

Living in the now. Recognizing the need to stay present has been a beautiful lesson that has come out of living through COVID. Also, being able to throw everything you thought you knew out the window when things change is freeing. We now know that we can cope when the world comes crashing down around us.

—Allyson Apsey (@AllysonApsey), Quincy Elementary, Zeeland, Michigan

Distinguished principals. Meeting and connecting with other principals from around the country due to the National Distinguished Principals Award. I’ve met so many new people who have inspired me to be better at my craft.

—John Cannon (@LyonsParkPrin), Park Elementary School, Lyons, Kansas

Authentic assessment. We have done a lot to recognize and normalize not being OK with how things are going in our school. That honesty has enabled others to support one another because there is less competition surrounding who is doing well, and less judgment—even self-judgment—about [us] not living up to some imaginary dream state. The ability to show up in a more authentic way is going to take us places we might not otherwise go—together!

—Jessica Hutchison (@jesshutchisonAW), Avoca West Elementary School, Glenview, Illinois

Quality collaboration. The way my staff collaborate, collectively problem-solve, and support one another; and the way in which we have managed to center high-quality, anti-racist teaching and learning through all of this.

—Julia Bott (@MendellSchool), Ellis Mendell School, Boston, Massachusetts

The school community. The school community coming together in stressful times. We were shorthanded 17 staff members last week, and our district supported us with secretaries, paraprofessionals, and class coverage.

—Jennifer DeRagon (@jderagon7), George Hersey Robertson Intermediate School, Coventry, Connecticut

A growing skillset. Our school family has grown in our communication and technology skills at a rate that might have seemed impossible pre-pandemic. Those new skills will benefit our school and district for many years to come.

—Judy Castrogiovanni (@NorthPoconoSD), Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson
Township, Pennsylvania

Interacting with students. Having the doors open to students in the building every day. Interacting with them is a really great thing.

—Farrell Thomas (@TecKnowledgeY55), Waterloo Elementary School, Waterloo, South Carolina

Making connections. I am inspired by other administrators who I connected with through NAESP. I am hopeful that I will be able to connect with all of them in Louisville this summer at the National Conference. I’m also inspired by the tweets I see posted by other administrators in the trenches.

—Amy Mason (@AMasonPrincipal), Madison County Elementary School, Gurley, Alabama