From the Field

What are you looking forward to at this year’s NAESP annual conference in Louisville, Kentucky?

Networking and learning. I’m looking forward to networking and learning from colleagues throughout the country in person. It’s always a conference that’s worth the investment.

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

New ideas. I’m excited to talk with others from around the country to get ideas and to know that our struggle is not isolated. It’s great to discuss, learn, and bring home new ideas and practices.

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

Meeting and collaborating. I look forward to meeting the incredible group of National Distinguished Principals I met in D.C. again as well as other educators, and increasing collaboration.

—Veronica Kaypaghian, InterAmerican Academy, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Refocusing on skills. A focus on moving education away from only grades and academics, to experiences and skills students need for their lives and futures.

—David “Cal” Callaway (@tyrcal), International Community School of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Learning and inspiration. Seeing friends from across the country and continuing to learn and be inspired by them.

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

Recalibrating. Making connections and recalibration on what’s most important.

—Kristina Miller (@TinaMillerHowe), Howe Elementary School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Moving forward. Fresh ideas, connecting with other principals, and hopefully moving beyond the pandemic.

—Courtney Goodman (@Mrs_C_Goodman), Field Elementary School, Park Ridge, Illinois

Recentering in crisis. Best practices for centering instructional and student learning in a time of relentless crisis.

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

The entire experience. Everything! Networking with other building principals.

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

Online interactions. I look forward to attending it online, if possible.

—Dr. Shanessa Fenner (@ShanessaF), William T. Brown Elementary School, Spring Lake, North Carolina

Accessing inspiration. Inspiration from the speakers and other attendees; time to network and chat with other principals.

—Bonnie L. Kubec (@bonniek1030), Walter Kidder Elementary School, Brunswick, Ohio

Finding resources. More professional collaboration from other principals, forming connections and friendships, and adding more resources to my toolkit.

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

Friendships and betterment. Seeing all of my NAESP friends and learning how to become a better person and a better principal.

—Matt Scott (@PrincipalMS), Creekside Primary School, Harvest, Alabama