Seeing the Big Picture
Working in a small, rural school district in the Pacific Northwest, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and see things only through the lens of my own community and region. That’s why I’m looking forward to heading to the AASA National Conference. There’s something about stepping outside my usual spaces and learning from others. Sometimes it makes me appreciate what I already have, and other times it sparks ideas for what’s possible, especially in a small district like mine.
Getting Away to Refocus
One thing I know for sure: no matter how long you’ve been in education, there’s always something new to learn. After 32 years, I still pick up something new every day—and I know I’ve got plenty of room to grow. If I want my school, staff, and students to keep getting better, I do too. That means being open to new ideas and actually applying what I learn at the conference. I know the day I think I’ve got it all figured out is the day I'll stop making progress (or worse).
Honestly, sometimes just getting away for a bit is valuable in itself. Throughout history, leaders—from presidents to Jesus—have recognized the power of stepping back to reflect, recharge, and refocus. A conference like this isn’t just about strategies and best practices. It’s about re-centering on why we do this work and coming back with fresh energy.
Connections That Matter
Of course, one of the best parts of an event like this is the people. Education in America is an incredible tapestry, and every connection we make weaves another thread into it. I love hearing the stories of other educators, learning from their experiences, and being reminded of how different—yet connected—we all are in this work. Over the years, I’ve met people at conferences who have helped me launch programs, make changes, secure grants, and open doors I didn’t even know existed. You never know where a simple conversation might lead.
Right now, those connections matter more than ever. Education is facing some real challenges—staffing shortages, increasing student needs, and political pressures that have created more division in our communities. It can feel overwhelming at times, which is why it’s so important to lean on each other. We can’t do this work alone. But even with all the challenges, I still believe in the power of education to bring people together.
Hope for What's Ahead
That’s exactly what we’re doing at the AASA Conference—coming together to focus on kids and find ways to make things better. That fills me with anticipation and hope. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead—and I’ll be sharing my thoughts and takeaways along the way!
