by Dr. Lance Gibbon

Seeing the Big Picture

I have the privilege of serving in a small, rural school district in the Pacific Northwest. But being so far away from it all, it's easy to lose perspective. At times, I take things for granted that I shouldn’t, and other times, I miss opportunities for change simply because I’m unaware of them. Maybe you can relate—getting caught up in the day-to-day and seeing things only through the lens of your own community and region. That’s why I’m looking forward to joining 5,000 other leaders at the AASA National Conference. There’s something powerful about stepping outside my usual spaces and learning from others. It not only deepens my appreciation for what makes my own district special but also sparks new ideas for what’s possible.

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. As educational leaders, if we want our school, staff, and students to keep getting better, we do too. That means being open to new ideas and actually applying what we learn at the conference. The day you think, “I’ve got it all figured out” is the day you'll stop making progress (or worse).

Beyond professional learning, 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 through “Future-Driven Leadership.” 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!

About Dr. Lance Gibbon

Dr. Lance Gibbon has dedicated over 30 years to serving students, educators, and families across Washington State. As the superintendent of Hood Canal School District, he is committed to creating positive, welcoming learning environments where all students can thrive. His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including honors from the Washington School Public Relations Association, Best of Whidbey, and EarthGen (formerly Washington Green Schools).