Plan to register for a Pre-Conference Workshop
All Pre-Conference Workshops will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Sign up for a Pre-Conference Workshop when you register.
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- 1 – 4PM
Presenters:
- Colon Lewis, Vice President, Leadership Network, AASA, Blacklick, OH
- Kalia M. Reynolds, Deputy Superintendent/CAO, West Chester Area School District, West Chester, PA
- Paula B. Wilkins, Chief Academic Officer, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Winston-Salem, NC
Co-Designing the Portrait: Engaging Communities in Future-Ready Learning through the Public Education Promise
In this hands-on pre-conference session, superintendents will use the Futures CoLab model to authentically engage communities in shaping and implementing a Portrait of a Graduate. Learn how inclusive design builds trust, aligns instruction, and transforms districts into hubs of lifelong learning.
What You’ll Gain:
- A framework for engaging stakeholders in the Portrait journey
- Practical tools for launching or refreshing your Portrait
- District examples linking Portraits to instruction, workforce readiness and student agency
- Strategies to embed the Portrait in leadership, planning and student experiences
- A jump-start plan to operationalize your Portrait through partnerships and storytelling
- 1– 4PM
Presenters:
- Jamie Aquino, Superintendent, San Antonio Independent School District, San Antonio, TX
- Tony Watlington, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Jackie O. Wilson, Executive Director, National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA), Frankford, DE
An Introduction to Blended Coaching and Coaching-Based Supervision
In this interactive session, participants will learn and apply blended coaching strategies, including when to shift from facilitative to instructional coaching. The session highlights the role of principal supervisors as coaches, using a coaching-based supervision model to strengthen principals’ instructional expertise. Through role play and small-group discussion, participants will explore research on coaching as a tool for recruitment, growth, support and retention of school leaders. Session leaders will also share practical resources — including a Coaching-Based Supervision Handbook and district case studies — demonstrating how coaching can successfully develop and sustain principals.
- 1 – 4PM
Presenter:
- Steve Webb, President, Safe Secure Systems, Goreville, IL
School Safety and Security: Addressing the Changing World Around Us
Explore lessons from past tragedies, today’s threat landscape and proven strategies for preventing violence in schools.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how addressing school violence requires both vulnerability and behavioral threat assessments, along with attention to students’ social worlds.
- Learn how schools and communities can foster a culture of connection, applying lessons from past tragedies to strengthen crisis prevention and response.
- Recognize that safe schools depend on effective leadership, and gain key traits leaders need to sustain secure, supportive learning environments.
- 1 – 5PM
Presenter:
- Deb Kerr, Superintendent, St. Francis Public School District, St. Francis, WI
Bold Women – Bold Conversations
Inspire. Empower. Connect.
Join women leaders nationwide for an empowering preconference event designed to ignite purpose, elevate vision and expand leadership networks. Bold Women – Bold Conversations offers a space for authentic dialogue, connection and growth. Learn from AASA past-presidents and trailblazing women who lead with courage and resilience — hearing their stories, sharing your own and engaging in conversations that matter.
This experience includes:
- Vision-setting and goal alignment activities
- Intentional self-care practices to recharge and refocus
- Vision board creation to bring your leadership goals to life
- Genuine networking opportunities to build a supportive community
We rise by lifting one another, and this is your moment to rise boldly.
- 1 – 5PM
Presenters:
- Lesley Bruinton, CEO and President, School Spirit PR
- Walter B.Gonsoulin Jr., Superintendent, Jefferson County Schools, Birmingham, AL
- John Huddleston, Director of Communications, Jefferson County Schools, Birmingham, AL
- Todd Jaeger, Superintendent, Amphitheater Public Schools, Tucson, AZ
- Matt Miller, Director of District Leadership, Finalsite
Ready for the Headlines: Media Response for Sensitive Staff Situations
Staff-related issues can quickly become front-page news, and your response sets the tone for your district. In this four-hour pre-conference session, superintendents and communication professionals will get hands-on practice managing high-profile situations that demand fast, credible responses.
Develop clear, confident on-camera messaging, craft effective holding statements, and align media responses with internal and parent communications. Attend solo or with your team and leave equipped to lead through the story — not just react to it.
This high-impact session is part of AASA and NSPRA’s Leadership in School Communication initiative.
Page Last Updated: December 30, 2025.