Dr. Steven Geis

One word comes to mind in summarizing the 2011 National Association of Elementary School Principals  (NAESP) Convention in Tampa, FL:  IMPRESSIVE. I have heard the national convention to attend is ASCD --  for its line-up of presenters, breakout sessions, and quality content, and I have attended their convention. Our 2011 NAESP Convention contained the same quality line-up of educational experiences built around best practices in 21^st century education. All attending were elementary and middle level principals; this allowed fantastic conversation and networking by all in attendance. The names of presenters and their sessions lived up to their professional reputation. Marzano, Robinson, Danielson, Reeves, Whitaker, November, and Muhammad are synonymous with what is current, relevant, and great in education today.

Unfortunately public education is under great scrutiny and often under attack. Sir Ken Robinson said that as a result educators are demoralized. He added that “generals don’t fire on their own troops,” and he called on our national leaders to promote the excellence we have in our public education system. This theme of uniting for our students concluded with Vernice Armour. She stated we need to acknowledge obstacles, but don’t give them power. We need to have a breakthrough attitude with “permission to engage.”  Our time to engage is now! Share your successes in the media and continue to accentuate the positive; our students are counting on us.

Serving as the MESPA NAESP representative keeps me busy and I’ve had a lot of meetings to attend. I will provide a quick overview of relevant items you need to know about.

• NAESP continues to focus on advocacy especially with so many new congressional leaders. 
• ESEA reauthorization is underway with our own Rep John Kline chairing the committee.
• Nationally, NAESP is working on creating a Principal Evaluation. We (MN) will share what our MN Legislature has adopted --  and what we have worked on diligently in the past year. 
• NAESP is finalizing a “Functional Consolidation Plan” with AASA (the national superintendents’ association). Basically AASA is purchasing ½ of the NAESP headquarters in Arlington, VA. 
• Lastly, the NAESP Foundation is creating an Assistant Principal Award program to be launched for 2011-2012.

Finally, mark your calendar for the NAESP Best Practices for Better Schools National Convention on March 22-24, 2012 in Seattle, WA.  The Conversations, Connections, Collegiality, Conference and Coffee will be stellar.  Please plan on attending.

Contact Steven at sgeis@farmington.k12.mn.us