2026 - 2027
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GUIDE Learn. Connect. Lead. Practical learning, meaningful connections and powerful tools to help you lead communication that builds trust and inspires action.
TIMELY CONVERSATIONS
PRACTICAL LEARNING
HANDS-ON SKILL BUILDING
POWERFUL CONNECTIONS
FREE TO NSPRA MEMBERS
JOIN THE CONVERSATION Member Monday and K12PRChat connect school communicators from across North America through meaningful discussions, practical problem solving and shared experiences. Each month explores a different challenge facing today’s communication leaders. Two monthly conversations. One shared goal: Stronger communication. Together.
11 Months
of faciliated conversations
From August through June, exploring timely topics that matter most.
22 Discussions
focused on today’s most pressing communications challenges Real issues. Real solutions. Real impact.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR and join us each month!
Hundreds of Peers sharing ideas and solutions
Build your network, learn from others and bring new ideas back to your district.
Sessions are a complimentary benefit exclusively for NSPRA members.
2026 CONVERSATION SERIES A year of timely topics. Real conversations. Practical takeaways. AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
Seminar Takeaways We’re Still Thinking About
Overcomplicated? Overcompensating?
“Can You Just Make a Flyer?”
Back-to-School Bingo
Whom Are We Still Missing?
Strategic…or Just Busy?
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
“This Was Never Going to Be an Easy Message”
How Districts Explain Hard Decisions Without Losing Trust
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
Not Everything Needs a Holiday Graphic MEMBER MONDAY
Looping Communications In…
MEMBER MONDAY
Calm Amid Chaos
K12PRCHAT
Same District. Different Staff Experience. K12PRCHAT
More Than a Job Posting
They’re Hired. Now What?
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
Show the Impact
What Actually Changes Behavior?
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
We’ve Never Done It That Way Before
“But…We’ve Always Done It This Way!”
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
AI Wins, Surprises & Lessons Learned
How Is AI Changing Expectations?
MEMBER MONDAY
K12PRCHAT
The AI Judgment Call
What Skills Matter More Now?
WHY LEADERS LEARN?
FREE TO NSPRA MEMBERS
LEADERS LEARN Virtual panel discussions focused on strategic communication best practices, featuring leading communication professionals and experts.
FIVE LIVE
NATIONAL
TIMELY
PRACTICAL
virtual discussions
thought leaders
communication issues
leadership strategies
FREE VIRTUAL SESSIONS FOR NSPRA MEMBERS In partnership with
SEP
NOV
JAN
MAR
MAY
School PR Reflections with the 2026 NSPRA School Communicator of the Year
A Candid Conversation to Kick Off the School Year
When Enrollment Changes Everything
Communicating Through Demographic Shifts
Inside the Organization — Understanding Behavior to Improve Communication Explore How People Think, Respond and Engage
Communication Priorities During Budget Pressure
Lead with Clarity When Resources are Tight
What AI Can’t Replace: Strategy, Trust and Leadership in School Communication Navigate AI, Misinformation and Public Trust
FREE TO NSPRA MEMBERS
PR POWER HOUR Timely Conversations. Practical Takeaways. Stronger Communications.
Presenter: Jillian Aykens Communications & Marketing Consultant CESA 6 (Wis.)
OCTOBER 23
From Compliance to Culture
DECEMBER 4
Hard Conversations, Stronger Trust
FEBRUARY 12
What Staff Need to Hear
Presenter: TBA
APRIL 23
Doing More with Less
12 PM EST
How We Redesigned Communication During Budget Cuts
Presenter: TBA
JUNE 11
Rewriting the Workflow
Presenter: Elizabeth Graswich Executive Director of Communications | Los Angeles County Office of Education (Calif.)
12 PM EST
12 PM EST
12 PM EST
12 PM EST
Making Accessiblity Part of Everyday Communication
Lessons from Community Engagement During Difficult Decisions
Internal Communication During Burnout, Cuts and Change
How AI Changed Our Communications Office
Presenter: Nicole Kirby, APR Senior Strategist with CESO (Kan.) Amanda Lewis Senior Communications and Public Relations Specialist, Des Moines Public Schools (Iowa)
FREE TO NSPRA MEMBERS
MINI LABS
Concise. Targeted. Practical. Choose the topics you need, when you need them.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER Sustainable Communication Systems
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER Communicating Through Community Change
Managing Communication Requests
Building Feedback Dashboards
Building a Simple Content Calendar
Building Information Hubs
Managing Website Editors
Public Records & FOIA Requests
Brand Kits & Shared Assets
Choosing the Right Photo
JANUARY / FEBRUARY Clarity, Culture & Internal Communication
MARCH / APRIL Working Smarter, Not Harder
Staff Newsletters That Actually Get Read
Crisis Communication Cadence
Pulse Checks & Feedback Tools
Google Analytics (2027)
Writing for the Way People Read Now
Meta Reports Matter
Event Planning
Campaign Mapping: From One Idea to Many Touchpoints
MAY / JUNE AI, Trust & the Future of School Communication
Building Better AI Graphics
From SEO to GEO
Organizing Digital Assets
Building an AI Prompt Library
FREE TO NSPRA MEMBERS
ACCREDITATION IN PUBLIC RELATIONS A supportive learning community designed for school communicators pursuing APR. The APR Cohort is offered three times a year and is open to NSPRA members as a free member benefit. Cohort members connect, learn and grow together with the support of experienced APR professionals.
STRUCTURED SUPPORT
PEER COHORT
GUIDED PREPARATION
MEMBER BENEFIT
Monthly facilitated discussions and resources.
Connect with fellow APR candidates across North America.
Build understanding of the APR process and earning requirements.
This cohort is included with your NSPRA membership.
FALL COHORT
WINTER COHORT
SPRING COHORT
SEP 15
JAN 12
MAR 30
SEP 29
JAN 26
APR 13
OCT 13
FEB 9
APR 27
OCT 27
FEB 23
MAY 11
NOV 10
MAR 9
MAY 25
MAR 23
JUN 8
APR 6
JUN 22
NOV 17 DEC 2
All sessions are virtual and free for NSPRA members. $99 for non-members.
Learn. Connect. Prepare. Achieve APR.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP Join a cohort and invest in your professional growth and your future.
FREE TO NSPRA MEMBERS
ETHICS IN ACTION Real Decisions in School Communication
Every school communicator faces moments where the right decision isn’t obvious, but the impact is significant. This three-part series explores ethical decision making, practical frameworks and real-world scenarios to help communicators lead with integrity and confidence. Walk away with tools you can apply immediately -- and the clarity to navigate complex situations
3-PART FALL VIRTUAL SERIES
1
2
3
MODULE 1
MODULE 2
MODULE 3
Thursday, October 1
Thursday, October 8
Thursday, October 15
Pressure Points
Trust on the Line
12 - 1:00 EST
The Ethical Compass Navigating the Moral Maze of School PR
12 - 1:00 EST
Navigating Ethical Tensions with Leadership and Community Expectations
Presenter: Lesley Bruinton, APR
Presenter: Jessica Hull
Ethical Decision Making
Real-World Case Studies
Strengthen your ability to make confident, values-driven choices.
Explore practical scenarios faced by school communicators today.
12 - 1:00 EST
Ethical Decision Making in Crisis, AI and Public Communication Presenter: Shawn McKillop, APR
Peer Discussion Share perspectives and learn from fellow communicators across North America.
FREE FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT. DESIGNED FOR YOU. PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATIONS
LEARN ANYTIME. ANYWHERE. NSPRA Plus is the first-of-its-kind, AIpowered on-demand learning library built exclusively for those who plan, lead or help support school communication.
powered by AI to tailor content to your interests and goals
EXPERT-LED WEBINARS AND WORKSHOPS stream proven strategies from experiences school communicators
INTUITIVE SEARCH AND FILTERING TOOLS to help you find exactly what you need, fast
CURATED LEARNING PATHS organized by interest, role and experience level
NEW NSPRA LEARNING CONTENT ADDED REGULARLY to keep your skills sharp and your strategies current
ACADEMY SIGNATURE SERIES
GO DEEPER. LEAD FURTHER.
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
NSPRA Academies are immersive, cohortbased experiences that build advanced skills, deepen your expertise and expand your professional network.
New Professionals
The New Professionals track supports emerging school communicators through practical skill building, professional foundations and real-world strategies designed to build confidence and long-term success in the role.
Crisis Communications
Crisis communication is central to effective school leadership. This NSPRA Academy track is designed for school communicators and district leaders to navigate the realities of today’s incident-driven, high-stakes communication environment. Participants will gain a practical, experience-driven framework, grounded in real-world application, for communicating before, during and after a crisis.
Small District Superintendents The Small District Superintendents track is designed for school leaders navigating the unique communication demands of small districts, with a focus on visibility, trust building, leadership communication and community relationships.
Strategic Communications The NSPRA Strategic Communications Academy track is designed specifically for veteran school communication professionals and district leaders seeking advanced expertise in the issues, challenges and trends shaping today’s school PR landscape.
Ready to grow your expertise?
Explore all Academy offerings at nspra.org/academy
ACADEMY SIGNATURE SERIES
NEW PROFESSIONALS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Wednesdays, 2-4 PM EST
Build a strong foundation for your career and connect with a peer cohort of school communicators who are learning and growing alongside you. From September to May, you’ll meet monthly in a virtual setting to explore real-world scenarios and core topics essential to the role.
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
Facilitator: Melissa McConnell
Manager, Professional Development & Member Engagement National School Public Relations Association
SEP 16
OCT 14
NOV 18 JAN 13
Through the Superintendent’s Eyes: Leadership, Strategy & Board Foundations Presenters:
Heath Rocha, Superintendent, Tanya de la Cruz, APR, Public Information & Engagement Officer, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (Calif.)
The 4 Rs: Research, Reference, Review and Relationships – Building Your Foundation
Panelists:
Erin Hasinger, Director of Communications, Pine-Richland School District (Pa.) Blair Yankey, Director of Communications, South Bend Community School Corporation (Ind.) Jasmin Baxter, Communications and Engagement Coordinator, Hattiesburg Public Schools (Miss.) Tanner Dorow, Communications Coordinator, Skokie School District 69 (Ill.)
Being Strategic with Effective Communications Plans
FEB 17
Branding, Marketing & Digital Presence
MAR 17
Media Relations & Crisis Preparedness
APR 14
Community Partnerships & Engagement
Presenter:
Melissa Smith, Assistant Director, Communications & Learning Solutions, Chester County Intermediate Unit (Pa.)
Presenter:
Katy Bergen, Executive Director of Public Relations, Lee's Summit R-7 Schools (Mo.)
Presenter:
Gabrielle Brown, Director of Media Relations, Guilford County Schools (N.C.)
Presenter:
Chelsea Vongehr, Chief Communications Officer, Petersburg City Public Schools (Va.)
Internal Communications: Cultivating Trust & Keeping Staff Informed Presenter:
Lauren Boettcher, Manager, School & Community Relations, Lakota Local Schools (Ohio)
Peer Connection
Learn together and build lasting relationships
MAY 12
PR Essentials: Tools, Tips & Takeaways Panelists:
Candace Gibson, SBMH Marketing/Social Media Coordinator, Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services (Ky.) Carlos Hernandez, Assistant Director of Web and Graphic Design, Orange County Public Schools (Fla.) Lauren Holtz, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, Sycamore Community School District 427 (Ill.) Merritt La Foe, Lead Graphic Designer, Denver Public Schools (Colo.)
Practical Learning
Real-world strategies and scenarios you can use. NEW PROFESSIONALS
ACADEMY SIGNATURE SERIES
SMALL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Tuesdays, 12-2 PM EST
The Small District Superintendents track is designed for school leaders facing unique communication challenges in small districts, focusing on visibility, trust building, leadership communication and community relationships
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
Facilitator: Melissa McConnell
Manager, Professional Development & Member Engagement National School Public Relations Association
SEP 22
OCT 20 NOV 10 JAN 19
Communications: The Big Picture in Small Districts Presenter:
Jill Filer, Lead Strategist, CESO Communications
Misinformation: Overcoming False Information in Small Districts Presenter:
Laura Langebartels, Director of Communication & Community Engagement, MSD of Wabash County (Ind.)
Internal Communications: Connecting Your Staff, Unifying Your Schools Presenter: Mitch Roush, Director of Communications & Marketing, Grand Island Public Schools (Neb.)
Crisis-Ready Communications: Building a Toolkit and Trust Presenter:
Karen Heath, Director of Communications and Public Relations, Berrien RESA (Mich.)
Effective Communication
Lead communication with clarity and confidence.
FEB 16 MAR 16
APR 20
MAY 18
Board Communications: Navigating Small-District Relationships Presenter:
Marci Orr, APR, Director of Communications, Mexico School District #59 (Mo.)
Creative Communication Support: Expanding Capacity in Your Small District Presenter:
Ashlee Meredith, Supervisor of Communication, New Kent Public Schools (Va.)
Communications & the Ballot Box: Earning Community Support for Success Presenter:
Meghan Baule, Director of Communications, Colchester School District (Vt.)
Your Communication Toolkit: Mastering Essential Platforms Presenters:
Bryanna Moody, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Kaukauna Area School District (Wis.) Keegan Kociss, Communications Specialist, Community Consolidated School District 146 (Ill.) Lori Buselt, Executive Director of Communications, Maize USD 266 (Kan.) Emily Parks, Director of Communications, Midway ISD (Texas)
Practical Learning Simplify complex topics.
SMALL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS
ACADEMY SIGNATURE SERIES
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Fridays, 12-4 PM EST
The NSPRA Strategic Communications Academy is designed for experienced school communication professionals to enhance their skills in modern school PR. Participants will collaborate on case studies, assignments and strategy exchanges reflecting current trends in school public relations. Facilitator: Dr. Kenon A. Brown, Ph.D. Director, Institute for Communication and Information Research Professor, Department of Advertising and Public Relations
OCT 9
NOV 13
Communicating to Students: Co-Creating Voice with Authentic Storytelling
FEB 26
Guest Speaker: Bailey Little, Director of Communications and Community Relations Watauga County Schools (N.C.)
Communicating to Staff: Processing Change, Preserving Culture Guest Speaker: Kelly Avants, APR, Chief Communications Officer, Clovis Unified School District
This session focuses on how school communicators can shift from merely creating messages for students to developing stories collaboratively with them. By applying narrative storytelling theory and audience-centered communication principles, participants will explore ways organizations engage stakeholders in shaping messages and experiences.
This session explores how communication affects staff responses to change in line with school system values. It emphasizes that effective communication reduces uncertainty, fosters alignment, and preserves culture during transitions. Participants will learn practical strategies to help staff move from confusion to understanding and engagement.
Communicating to Parents: Navigating the Outside Noise
Communicating to the Public: The Cost of Reputation Mismanagement
Guest Speaker: Marlenia Thornton, Communications Coordinator, Lincoln Public Schools (Neb.)
This session explores communication and media theories that help explain audience behavior, including concepts such as source credibility, the thirdperson effect, hostile media effect, and misinformation. Participants will examine how these dynamics influence parent perceptions and identify strategies for helping school communities cut through the noise and make informed decisions.
APR 9
Guest Speaker: Stacy Hawn, Communications Coordinator, Bennington Public Schools
This session focuses on the communication decisions that shape public perception long before a situation reaches crisis level. Participants will explore reputation management, issues management, public confidence, and the factors that influence how communities interpret organizational actions and decisions.
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS Lead with Strategy Learning to enhance strategic thinking and broaden leadership capabilities in communication.
Communicate with Purpose
Challenged to move beyond tactical execution, consider communication as a leadership function.
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
ACADEMY SIGNATURE SERIES
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Thursdays*, 12-2 PM EST
Crisis communication is essential for effective school leadership. The NSPRA Academy provides a practical framework for managing communication throughout a crisis. Participants engage in interactive sessions to build trust and create actionable plans. Facilitator: Rick J. Kaufman, APR Executive Director of Community Relations & Emergency Management Bloomington Public Schools
JAN 28
FEB 25 MAR 18 APR 15
Building Resilience: Pre-Crisis Planning Strategies Guest Speaker:
Sondra Whalen, APR Director of Student Programs and Communications, Vernon Verona Sherrill CSD (N.Y.)
MAY 13
Crisis Ready Begins with a KIS (Keep it Simple) Communications Plan | Part 1 Guest Speaker:
Zac Rantz Chief Communication Officer, Nixa Public Schools (Mo.)
JUN 22 *
Crisis Ready Begins with a KIS (Keep It Simple) Communications Plan | Part 2
Communicating in a Crisis | Part 2 Leveraging Digital and Community Platforms Guest Speaker:
Alex Wolff Director of Communications, Pelham Union Free School District (N.Y.)
Building Back Better: Post-Crisis Communication Strategies Guest Speaker:
Tove Tupper, APR Chief Communications Officer, Highline Public Schools (Wash.) *This module is on a Tuesday
Guest Speaker:
Daryl Johnson, APR Executive Director of Communications, Alexandria City Public Schools (Va.)
Communicating in a Crisis | Part 1
JUL 10*
Seminar 2027
Indianapolis, Ind. Transforming Learning into Action
Guest Speaker:
Randy Barber, APR Chief Communications Officer, Boulder Valley School District (Colo.)
Crisis Planning Build clear, actionable approaches to crisis communications across all phases of an incidient.
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS Build Credibility and Trust Through pracitical strategies to close response gaps. CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
ACADEMY FOCUSED SERIES
FOCUSED LEARNING. PRACTICAL IMPACT. Our seven Focused Series Tracks deliver short, topical learning you can apply immediately. Topical & Timely
Relevant topics that address today’s most pressing challenges.
Flexible & Convient
Short, focused sessions that fit your schedule.
Stronger Together
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
Connect with peers, share ideas and grow your professional network.
Explore all sessions and upcoming topics at nspra.org/academy
MODULE
Regional Education Services Strengthen communication across regions and multi-district partnerships. Share resources, solve common challenges and amplify your collective impact.
1. Understanding Your Role in the Ecosystem
SEP. 17
2. Communicating Across Multiple Districts
OCT. 15
3. Building Systems That Scale
OCT. 29
4. Building Trust and Credibility Across Multiple Districts
NOV. 12
MODULE
Customer Service
Prepare, respond and communicate with confidence in times of crisis or disruption. Protect trust, and keep your community informed.
DATE
DATE
1. Mapping Communication Touchpoints
SEP. 18
2. Strengthening Service and Response Practices
OCT. 2
3. Responding to Concerns and Escalation
OCT. 16
4. Making Customer Service the Standard
OCT. 30
MODULE
Communication Team Leadership
Lead your team with clarity and purpose. Build culture, streamline workflows and elevate the impact of your communication team.
1. Defining Your Role as a Team Leader
SEP. 21
2. Managing People, Projects and Priorities
OCT. 12
3. Building a Strong and Sustainable Team
OCT. 22
4. From Communications Leader to Strategic Advisor
NOV. 9
MODULE
Solo Communicator Practical strategies and support for doing it all and doing it well. You’re not alone in this work.
Attract, engage and retain the people who power your schools. Build a strong employer brand and support your staff with clear, consistent communication.
JAN. 14
2. Building Systems That Save You Time
FEB. 4
3. Managing Urgency, Crisis and Competing Demands
FEB. 11
4. Working Up, Across and Without Support
MAR. 3
Partner with school leaders to communicate more effectively, support students and staff and strengthen your school community.
FEB. 5
2. Recruitment Messaging for Hard-to-Fill Positions
MAR. 5
3. Internal Communication for Retention
MAR. 19
4. Aligning Communications and HR for Impact
APR. 16
Build trust and connection through meaningful engagement. Strengthen relationships, and ensure every voice is heard in your school community.
DATE
1. Communicating with Clarity and Purpose
FEB. 8
2. Leading Staff Communication
MAR. 8
3. Building School-Family Trust
MAR. 15
4. Leading Communication During Challenging Situations
APR. 12
MODULE
Family & Community Engagement (FACE)
DATE
1. Defining and Communicating Your Employer Brand
MODULE
Principals
DATE
1. Managing the Work When You Are the Team
MODULE
Workforce Communications
DATE
DATE
1. From Outreach to Engagement:
JAN. 21
2. Aligning Leadership, Communication & Engagement
FEB. 10
3. Designing Engagement Systems That Last
MAR. 23
4. Demonstrating Impact: Telling the Story of Engagement
APR. 22
Rethinking the District-Family Relationship
IMMERSIVE LEARNING
NSPRA
NEW FOR 2026-2027!
STUDIO CREATE. BUILD. APPLY.
Immersive, hands-on learning for school communicators. NSPRA Studios are focused, hands-on learning experiences designed to help school communicators build practical skills, explore emerging tools and workflows and create communication products and processes they can immediately apply in their day-to-day work. Structured as interactive virtual working sessions rather than traditional webinars, Studios emphasize guided application, real examples, demonstrations and active skill building. Each Studio focuses on a specific communication area and is designed as a short series that helps participants move beyond ideas into implementation and practice. Studios are ideal for communicators who want deeper, more applied learning than a webinar or Mini Lab can provide, without the broader scope of a full Academy track.
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
Design Studio
Advanced Canva Workflows for School Communicators
3-MODULE STUDIO
Guided Application Learn by doing with step-by-step support.
Accesibility Studio
Accessible Design and Content Workflows for School Communicators
3-MODULE STUDIO
Real-World Workflows Work with practical tools and authentic examples.
Practical Skill Building Build confidence through hands-on practice.
Visual Storytelling Studio Short-Form Video and Editing Workflows for School Communicators
Immediate Implementation Walk away with strategies you can use right away.
AI & Communications Studio
Hands-On AI Workflows for School Communicators
3-MODULE STUDIO
3-MODULE STUDIO
October 21, 2026
December 1, 2026
March 24, 2027
June 9, 2027
October 28, 2026
December 8, 2026
March 31, 2027
June 16, 2027
November 4, 2026
December 15, 2026
April 7, 2027
June 23, 2027
Wednesdays, 2 - 3:30 PM Eastern
Tuesdays, 2 - 3:30 PM Eastern
Wednesdays, 2 - 3:30 PM Eastern
Wednesdays, 2 - 3:30 PM Eastern
LEADERSHIP FOR PUBLIC TRUST
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
CIVIC LEADERSHIP
NARRATIVE LEADERSHIP
CRISIS LEADERSHIP
Engage communities and strengthen public trust.
Shape and share your district’s story with clarity.
Navigate challenges and communicate with confidence.
CRISIS LEADERSHIP
NARRATIVE LEADERSHIP
Helping superintendents and communication leaders strengthen their ability to lead through complexity, build and sustain public trust and align communication with decision making at the highest levels
CIVIC LEADERSHIP
A joint NSPRA + AASA experience for superintendents and district leaders
MAR 4
APR 1 MAY 6
MAR 9
APR 19
MAY 17
APR 30
MAY 28
JUN 25
Leading in Complex Community Contexts
This session focuses on how leadership teams can make stronger, more informed decisions by incorporating communication awareness early, considering how issues may be interpreted, where tensions may emerge and how to align internally before decisions become public.
Leading with Trust in Complex Times
Rather than focusing on how trust is built, this session examines how established trust allows leaders to move forward with clarity, even when decisions are difficult or unpopular.
Engagement as Shared Leadership Work
This session enhances district operations by redefining engagement to include community perspectives in leadership decisions. Participants will learn to create methods for twoway communication, turning input into actionable insights that influence decision-making processes.
Understanding and Owning the District Narrative
This session emphasizes proactive leadership in fostering clear communication to minimize misinformation. It aids leadership teams in assessing their district's perception and identifying gaps between intentions and community understanding.
Aligning Leadership, Messaging and Direction This session highlights how leadership teams can create internal clarity by aligning direction, language, and expectations prior to external communication. It stresses that leadership alignment is essential for ensuring organizational understanding and consistency of strategy, rather than just focusing on communication routines.
Using Story to Drive Understanding and Support
This session highlights how leadership teams can leverage real examples to enhance their work's relevance for stakeholders. It emphasizes storytelling as a leadership tool to reinforce priorities, show progress and ensure ongoing alignment.
Decision Making and Leadership Under Pressure
This session focuses on how leaders approach decision making under pressure, balancing urgency, accuracy and long-term impact while maintaining alignment across the organization. It emphasizes how leadership decisions--not just communication-shape outcomes during high-pressure situations.
Communicating with Credibility in Uncertain Moments
This session focuses on how leaders communicate when information is incomplete and where credibility is shaped more by presence and consistency than by certainty. This session also explores how leaders communicate with clarity, transparency, and consistency even when all answers are not yet known.
Sustaining Trust Beyond the Crisis
This session focuses on how leadership teams move forward by supporting their communities, reflecting on their approach, and strengthening systems for the future. This session also examines how districts use post-crisis moments to strengthen leadership systems, not just recover from the event itself.
THE PREMIER EVENT FOR SCHOOL COMMUNICATORS
NATIONAL SEMINAR LEARN. CONNECT. LEAD.
JULY 11-14, 2027
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
DISCOUNTED FOR NSPRA MEMBERS
1,600+ ATTENDEES
School communicators from across North America
150+
LEARNING SESSIONS Revelant. Timely. Practical.
50+
EXHIBITORS
Tools, services and solutions designed for schools.
INSPIRING COMMUNICATORS. STRONGER SCHOOLS. BRIGHTER FUTURES.
FOCUSED CONTENT. REAL CONNECTIONS. IDEAS YOU CAN USE.
AI & INNOVATION
LEADERSHIP
FAMILY & COMMUNITY
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Explore emerging tools and futureready strategies.
Grow your influence and lead with confidence.
Strengthen partnerships and build trust.
Plan smarter and communicate with impact.
MARKETING & BRANDING
CRISIS RESPONSE
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
SCHOOL CULTURE
Elevate your brand and tell your story.
Prepare, respond and protect your reputation.
Sharpen your skills and advance your career.
Communicate to inspire pride and belonging.
MORE THAN A CONFERENCE. AN EXPERIENCE.
GOLD MINE SESSIONS
Peer-tested ideas and practical strategies you can take home and use right away.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Build meaningful connections with communicators from across North America
MARKETPLACE Explore tools, services and solutions from leading education partners.