Conference Daily Online

AASA's award-winning newsletter, providing daily coverage of key speakers, topical sessions, photos and video clips of the conference.

Creating a Happiness Advantage to Educators Brings Positive Results to an Iowa School System

man in front of presentation with colorful cartoon frogs

Joel Pedersen, superintendent of the Cardinal Community School District in Iowa, exudes excitement when he talks about his eight-year implementation of the Happiness Advantage in his school system. Pedersen first learned about the Happiness Advantage from AASA. His district was subsequently featured by Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, in his keynote address at […]

Merits of Participating in AASA Learning 2025 Touted to School Districts at San Antonio Conference

Becoming part of the AASA Learning 2025 demonstration initiative gives school districts opportunities for mentorship and support, several panelists said at an AASA conference session on Friday in San Antonio. Bill Daggett, founder of both the Successful Practices Network and International Center for Leadership in Education, encouraged superintendents to join the network of rapidly improving […]

Consensus Not Easy Between Superintendents and Their Boards, a Point Upon Which NSBA, AASA Executive Directors Concur

two men laughing on stage with microphones

A good relationship between a public school superintendent and the school board can have a significant impact on the success of a school district. This partnership can create a collaborative environment that allows for effective decision-making, increased accountability and improved student outcomes. That was the takeaway from the Thought Leader Session at the AASA national […]

Conference Panel Tackles the Subject of ‘Imperfect’ Leadership of Education Organizations

A good leader is willing to admit when they have made a mistake, Peter Stiepleman, president of Imperfect Leadership in After Action in Bainbridge Island, Wash., told an AASA conference audience on Thursday. His session was titled “Imperfect Leaders.” “Serve as a leading learner,” said Stiepleman, a former superintendent. “Leading with vulnerability is one of […]

Countering Social Media Ills Among Students Addressed at Conference Panel

The founder of SmartSocial, Josh Ochs, delivered a presentation at the AASA conference on Thursday about social media safety and ways school districts can use technology and social media as a tool to benefit students academically. Ochs was joined on his panel, which addressed “How Superintendents are Navigating Social Media Use to Keep Students Safe,” […]