May 2026 Newsletter Campaign Created 20260418 125102 PM
Message from our Executive Director
As we move through May, this season in education often brings a unique mix of excitement and exhaustion. There is much to celebrate — student growth, accomplishments, milestones, and the anticipation of summer — while at the same time managing the many responsibilities and demands that come with closing out a school year. It is a time that requires tremendous energy, dedication, and heart, and I hope you will also find moments to pause, reflect, and recognize the incredible impact you continue to make each day
At NHTLLA, we are feeling that same sense of energy and momentum as we continue expanding opportunities to support educators across New Hampshire. This month marks the launch of our new website, an exciting step forward in strengthening communication, professional learning, and member engagement.
We are also actively planning several upcoming initiatives and events, including the Third Annual Literacy Summit and our October workshop featuring Dr. Katie Novak. In addition, we will be offering quarterly T3LN webinars and feature new NHTLLA on-demand, pre-recorded professional learning sessions that educators will be able to access at their convenience. Together, these offerings reflect our commitment to providing flexible, relevant, and meaningful learning opportunities that support educators throughout the year.
As always, thank you for being part of the NHTLLA community. Whether you are a classroom teacher, specialist, leader, support professional, or partner organization, your voice and contributions matter Together, we continue to inspire excellence and growth in all learners. Wishing you a strong and successful close to the school year
Warmly,
Jan Yost Executive Director
�� Looking Ahead: Save the Dates
The New Hampshire Teaching, Learning, and Leading Association (NHTLLA) is proud to announce its Third Annual Literacy Summit—bringing educators and leaders together to advance literacy outcomes across New Hampshire. Building on past success, this year’s Summit offers a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration focused on evidence-based practices and system-level impact.
Featured Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Stollar
A nationally recognized expert in early literacy and the science of reading, Dr. Stollar supports educators in building sustainable, system-wide improvement.
This event is designed for:
K–12 classroom teachers
Reading specialists and interventionists
Instructional coaches and curriculum leaders
School and district administrators
Save the Date
�� October 6, 2026
�� Location: Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH
The New Hampshire Teaching, Learning, and Leading Association (NHTLLA) is excited to offer a powerful professional learning experience focused on engaging students while effectively managing classroom behavior.
On October 28, 2026, nationally recognized educator and author Dr. Katie Novak will lead a dynamic, practical workshop to help educators create classrooms where all students are engaged, motivated, and supported.
Why This Matters
Engagement and behavior are deeply connected. When learning is inclusive, responsive, and purposeful, students are more engaged—and behavior improves—leading to more positive, student-centered classrooms.
Who Should Attend
Classroom teachers and Special Education teachers (K–12)
Instructional coaches and specialists
School and district leaders
Anyone focused on improving engagement and classroom culture
Save the Date
�� October 28, 2026
�� Location: SNHU, 2500 North River Rd, Manchester, NH
Registration Fee
Non-Member: $235
(Early Bird - register on or before 9/28/2026) - $210
Member: $175
(Early Bird - register on or before 9/28/2026) - $150
Get the Member Discount Now. Join NHTLLA first, then register as a Member! The link to join NHTLLA is at the end of this newsletter
Registration Link Coming Soon!
SAVE THE DATE
The New Hampshire Teaching, Learning, and Leading Association is proud to be part of the T3LN (Teaching, Learning, and Leading Network) collaborative, a national network of education organizations committed to supporting educators through high-quality professional learning.
As part of this partnership, NHTLLA is pleased to share an upcoming webinar hosted in collaboration with the K12 Coalition: How We Solve America’s Math Crisis: A System-Wide Approach to Evidence-Based Math Learning on August 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Remember - if you are a member of NHTLLA; you are automatically a member of T3LN.
Register Now
SOLUTIONS IN ACTION
Discover practical ideas, proven strategies, and real-world solutions designed to support today’s educators and leaders through the Solutions in Action OnDemand Webinar Series.
These engaging, pre-recorded sessions provide flexible professional learning that fits your schedule — watch anytime, anywhere.
Each webinar features experienced educators and thought leaders sharing actionable insights, innovative practices, and meaningful approaches that can be implemented immediately in classrooms, schools, and districts. Topics span teaching and learning, leadership development, student engagement, literacy, instructional practices, and more.
Whether you are looking to strengthen instructional impact, inspire your team, or explore fresh ideas to support learners, Solutions in Action offers professional learning that is relevant, accessible, and designed for today’s educational challenges.
Learn. Apply. Succeed. — On Your Time.On-Demand Access
This event is hosted by T3LN.
Registration Fee:
$199 Member (If you are a member of NHTLLA; you are a member of T3LN)
$250 Non-Member
Now Live: The New NHTLLA Website
The New Hampshire Teaching, Learning, and Leading Association (NHTLLA) is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website.
This new digital space reflects NHTLLA’s ongoing commitment to inspire excellence and growth in all learners by providing easier access to high-quality professional learning, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
What’s New?
The updated website offers a more user-friendly experience, making it easier for educators to: Explore upcoming workshops, conferences, and events
Access on-demand professional learning sessions via a portal Stay informed through news, articles, and featured resources Learn about membership benefits and join the NHTLLA community
Designed with Educators in Mind
Built with feedback from educators and stakeholders, the new site is intuitive, streamlined, and responsive—whether you’re accessing it from your desktop, tablet, or phone. Visitors will notice clearer navigation, updated visuals, and enhanced content designed to save time and provide meaningful value.
A Hub for Professional Learning
As NHTLLA continues to grow its offerings, the website will serve as a central hub for both live and on-demand learning opportunities. From literacy initiatives to student engagement and instructional practices, the site reflects the diverse needs of today’s educators.
Exclusive Members-Only Access
In addition to publicly available resources, the new website features a dedicated Members Only section designed to provide even greater value to NHTLLA members. This space is still under development, but may include archived webinars, curated resources and tools, event materials, and member-specific opportunities.
Looking Ahead
This launch marks an exciting step forward, but it’s just the beginning. NHTLLA will continue to expand the site with new content, resources, and features to support educators at every stage of their professional journey.
We invite you to explore the new website, engage with the content, and be part of a growing network dedicated to supporting educators across New Hampshire.
Visit us today and discover what’s new
��NHTLLA Member Publishes New Book
He addresses how to
NHTLLA Member Mike Anderson has a new book out, Hugging Porcupines: Month-by-Month Strategies to Support Our Most Challenging Students. Supporting our most challenging students takes patience, skill, and heart—and Mike Anderson’s new book delivers all three.
In Hugging Porcupines: Month-by-Month Strategies to Support Our Most Challenging Students, Anderson offers practical, compassionate, and actionable guidance educators can use all year long to build relationships, respond to behavior with purpose, and help every student thrive.
Develop relationships slowly early on, strengthen them throughout the year, and bring them to a positive conclusion in the spring.
Maintain, and even build, relationships through effective discipline.
Connect with porcupines' families.
Foster porcupines' interpersonal skills.
Facilitate effective problem-solving conferences.
Support new students when they arrive mid-year.
Support students' transition to the next year
This timely resource provides thoughtful strategies to navigate real classroom challenges while fostering belonging, growth, and success for even the “prickliest” learners. It will deepen K-12 teachers' understanding of why porcupines struggle academically and behaviorally in school and equip them to provide more appropriate support. It is a must-read for educators committed to reaching every child.
You can order this book on Amazon or through ASCD.
NHTLLA Represented at the T3LN Bi-Annual Meeting
NHTLLA was proudly represented by board member and president Lucy Canotas at the recent Teaching Learning and Leading Legacy Network Bi-Annual Meeting, where leaders from across the country gathered to strengthen collaboration, share ideas, and advance the future of teaching, learning, and leadership.
Lucy joined colleagues from T3LN’s network of legacy affiliates in important conversations focused on professional learning, innovation, and the power of partnerships to support educators and students. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange promising practices, contribute to national dialogue, and deepen connections among organizations committed to excellence and whole-child education.
Her participation reflects NHTLLA’s ongoing commitment to engaging in national conversations, bringing fresh ideas back to New Hampshire, and ensuring our members remain connected to a
broader professional learning network. We are grateful for Lucy’s leadership and proud to have NHTLLA represented in this important work.
Member Spotlight
Franklin High School is a Winner!
New Hampshire Excellence in Education High School of the Year
David Levesque, Principal
Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to the FHS Leadership Team and Staff
The New Hampshire Teaching, Learning and Leading Association (NHTLLA) is proud to congratulate the leadership team and staff of FHS, under the guidance of NHTLLA Board of Directors member and Principal David Levesque, on being named High School of the Year
This distinguished honor is a testament to the collective commitment, collaboration, and dedication of the entire FHS community. Together, the staff and leadership team have created a school culture where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. Their shared vision and tireless efforts have fostered an environment that prioritizes excellence, equity, and meaningful learning experiences for all.
David’s leadership, combined with the passion and professionalism of the FHS staff, has resulted in a school community that truly reflects the power of teamwork and a deep belief in every student’s potential.
. Congratulations to the FHS leadership team and staff on this well-deserved recognition!
A Resource for Busy Educators
Today’s focus: Building Math Success for Struggling Students
Many older students face gaps in foundational math skills, making it hard to learn new concepts. Schools are addressing this with targeted interventions like tutoring and double-dose algebra classes that focus on both foundational and grade-level skills. Emphasizing vocabulary, confidence, and repetition helps students master math while building self-assurance.
�� Listen Now!
Legislative Corner: Key Education Bills in NH
Several education-related bills are scheduled for action in the New Hampshire Senate and House this week.
HB 1300 (School Tax Caps): The NH Senate is expected to vote on a bill requiring every school district to vote every two years on adopting a school tax cap. Opponents argue that tax caps would limit school boards’ ability to develop budgets that meet student and community needs, especially since costs such as staffing, transportation, and building maintenance often rise faster than inflation. They warn the bill could lead to cuts in programs, staffing, and student opportunities.
HB 1792 (Public School Censorship): Also called “CHARLIE Act” (“Countering Hate And Revolutionary Leftist Indoctrination in Education Act”), is a 2026 bill focused on restricting certain types of instruction in New Hampshire public schools.
The bill would:
Prohibit public school districts and educators from teaching or promoting what the bill describes as:
Critical race theory
LGBTQ+ ideologies
“Identity-based ideologies”
Certain “Marxist” or “dialectical” frameworks and pedagogies
Ban instruction that the bill says promotes:
Division between groups
“Critical consciousness”
“Anti-constitutional indoctrination”
Allow parents or students to file lawsuits against school districts or educators if they believe the law has been violated. Critics note that teachers could also face professional discipline or possible loss of licensure.
HB 1793 (Campus Carry): Originally a broad campus carry bill preventing public colleges and universities from restricting firearms on campus, the proposal has been significantly amended following strong public opposition. The revised version now focuses mainly on policies regarding certain non-lethal weapons and creates a legislative study committee to further examine the issue of firearms on campus. Additional amendments may still be introduced.
HB 1442 (Transgender Bathroom Restrictions): The Senate passed a bill that would criminalize transgender individuals for using bathrooms that do not align with the sex listed on their birth certificate.
SB 101 (Statewide Open Enrollment): This bill would allow parents to enroll their children in public schools outside of their home district if space is available. The bill passed the Senate earlier this year but is currently stalled after the House voted on April 23, 2026, to “lay the bill on the table,” effectively pausing further action for now.
Join NHTLLA
As an NHTLLA member, you gain access to valuable professional learning opportunities, meaningful connections with educators across New Hampshire, and exclusive member discounts on conferences, workshops, webinars, and special events. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your instructional practices, grow as a leader, or stay inspired by innovative ideas, NHTLLA is here to support you every step of the way.
Now is the perfect time to join and start taking advantage of reduced member pricing on upcoming NHTLLA-sponsored events, including the Third Annual Literacy Summit, Student Engagement & Classroom Management with Dr. Katie Novak, and more. Invest in your professional growth while saving money—and become part of a statewide network dedicated to inspiring excellence and growth in all learners.
New Hampshire ASCD (NHASCD) | P O Box 386 | Stratham, NH 03885 US
