This year’s theme encapsulates the key ideas of: facing challenges together, networking, collaborative leadership, and creating regional connections. It emphasizes the importance of leaders coming together to enhance their collective impact on schools and communities.
This year’s theme encapsulates the key ideas of: facing challenges together, networking, collaborative leadership, and creating regional connections. It emphasizes the importance of leaders coming together to enhance their collective impact on schools and communities.
Wednesday-FridayJune25-27,2025
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Wednesday-FridayJune25-27,2025 NorthConway,NH
Registration Fee:
Early Bird Rate-Register Before April 4th
$650.00 NHASP members
$750.00 for non-members
After April 4th
$725.00 NHASP members
$795.00 for non-members
Register Here
If you plan on bringing a team of three or more people, please reach out to us directly for discounted pricing.
Reserve Your Room Here
AGENDA
Wednesday,June25,2025
Morning
7:30 - 8:45 - Registration and Breakfast
8:45 - Welcome
9:00-10:15 - Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Abrams
“Stretching Your Learning Edges”
10:15-10:30 - Break
10:30-11:15 - Immersive Networking by Grade Levels (Elem, MS, HS)
11:30-12:45 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS #1
Jennifer Abrams
“Being Generationally Savvy: Working Effectively With All Generations”
Jay Nichols
“Direction, Alignment, Commitment” (Part 1 of 2)
Gina McGuire
“The “I” of the Storm: Remaining Changeless in Changing Conditions”
Mike Perez & Julia Mitchell
“Building Connections: Using Communication to Shape School Culture”
Erica McLaughlin & Mike McRaith
“Step Up to Conflict” (Part 1 of 2)
AGENDA
Wednesday,June25,2025
Afternoon
1:00-2:00pm - Lunch
2:15-3:30 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS #2
Jennifer Abrams
“Successfully Rolling Out School Initiatives: What Does It Take?”
Steve Rothenberg
“Employment Contracts for NH School Administrators”
Erica McLaughlin & Mike McRaith
“Step Up to Conflict” (Part 2 of 2)
Jay Nichols
“Direction, Alignment, Commitment” (Part 2 of 2)
Gina McGuire
“The Mind Matters: Mindfulness Meditation for Everyone”
4:30-5:30 - Reception on the Patio Sponsored by Baystate Financial
5:30
- Evening on Your Own
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Wednesday,June25,2025
JenniferAbrams
9:00-10:15 am
Stretching Your Learning Edges
At this moment in time when things are ever shifting, it is critically important that we strive to develop ourselves, not just as educators, but as human beings What can we do to be bigger and better versions of ourselves as collaborative team members and as leaders? This keynote, based on Jennifer’s new book, Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work, will introduce us five focused ways we can develop ourselves in order to be our best adult selves at school.
Being Generationally Savvy: Working Effectively With All Generations
Have you noticed your newer employees feel and look and act differently than novice colleagues you remember? Are you hearing of communication challenges between colleagues of different ages? Are you becoming aware more employees want a life-work balance vs. a work-life balance? Generational factors might be coming into play. Who are these four generations in our workplaces? What are their strengths and needs? What structures and communication protocols should we design to work well with them all? And, what knowledge do we need to help every group thrive? Using Jennifer’s book, The Multigenerational Workplace: Communicate, Collaborate and Create Community, this workshop will provide tools and resources on this increasingly intriguing topic.
JAY NICHOLS
Direction, Alignment, Commitment -DAC Framework (Part 1 of 2)
The Direction, Alignment, Commitment (DAC) workshop, explores leadership as a collective social process that produces shared direction, coordinated alignment, and mutual commitment within groups. Participants learn to assess leadership effectiveness in their teams, identify areas for improvement, and create actionable plans to enhance outcomes. By focusing on these three pillars, the workshop empowers individuals and groups to work cohesively toward achieving results that surpass individual efforts
GINA MCGUIRE
The “I” of the Storm: Remaining Changeless in Changing Conditions
Somewhere on the horizon there’s a storm brewing with your name on it And though no storm lasts forever, it can feel endless when it hits Learn how to be the calm before, during, and after the storm with simple practices that you can start today to improve conditions at work and at home!
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day1,WednesdayJune25,2025
11:30AM-12:45PM
MIKE PEREZ & JULIA
TON ACADEMY
Building Connections: Using Communication to Shape School Culture
Participants will explore strategies for building strong connections among faculty, staff, students, and families, emphasizing the role of clear, consistent, and transparent messaging in aligning community values and goals.
Through real-life examples and practical tools, this session will highlight how communication initiatives can enhance stakeholder engagement, address challenges, and create a shared sense of purpose Attendees will engage in interactive conversation to identify opportunities to strengthen their school's communication frameworks, empowering leaders to drive cultural growth and sustain an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.
Step Up to Conflict (Part 1 of 2)
The Step Up to Conflict workshop helps participants build essential conflict management skills to turn workplace disagreements into opportunities for creativity and innovation Grounded in the belief that conflict is inevitable but can be constructive when handled effectively, this session teaches participants to identify conflict triggers, understand differing perspectives, and apply practical strategies for resolution This workshop is ideal for individuals and teams looking to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity.
ERICA MCLAUGHLIN & MIKE MCRAITH
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day1,WednesdayJune25,2025
2:15PM-3:30PM
JENNIFER ABRAMS
Successfully Rolling Out School Initiatives: What Does It Take?
We have initiatives we want to roll out, mandates to fulfill, and projects to design Yet with how fast we move in education these days, we don't spend enough time on our communication around those projects and we end up being less successful as we could be in getting our messages across We need to build up a skill set of messaging capabilities, ‘resistance management’ strategies and for the sake of our health, our ‘stress tolerance.’ This workshop, based on Jennifer’s book, Swimming in the Deep End, will provide some cognitive, social and psychological resources to help you communicate more effectively, confidently and collaboratively about whatever project or initiative you are undertaking
STEVE ROTHENBERG
2025 Conversation to Look Critically at, and Gain a Better Understanding of, Employment Contracts for NH School Administrators
This interactive presentation/conversation is designed to help attendees quantify and qualify elements within typical NH building-level administrator contracts Themes explored include:
-What trends and themes in healthcare, separation payment, COLAs, and general compensation are worth attention?
-How should inflation and other environmental factors be considered?
-How did separation benefits like sick day buyouts become less valuable for administrators who were/were not vested in the NHRS by 2011?
-How do administrator contracts serve us in times of need, including nonrenewal and separation? (Much of this standard for administrators is linked to the 1987 case, Littky v Winchester School District ) Should we be exploring other models?
-Can and should administrators in my district organize into a recognized bargaining group?
-Is our/my contract competitive? If not, where is it lacking?
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day1,WednesdayJune25,2025
2:15PM-3:30PM
ERICA MCLAUGHLIN & MIKE MCRAITH
Step Up to Conflict (Part 2 of 2)
The Step Up to Conflict workshop helps participants build essential conflict management skills to turn workplace disagreements into opportunities for creativity and innovation Grounded in the belief that conflict is inevitable but can be constructive when handled effectively, this session teaches participants to identify conflict triggers, understand differing perspectives, and apply practical strategies for resolution This workshop is ideal for individuals and teams looking to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity.
JAY NICHOLS
Direction, Alignment, Commitment -DAC Framework (Part 2 of 2)
The Direction, Alignment, Commitment (DAC) workshop, explores leadership as a collective social process that produces shared direction, coordinated alignment, and mutual commitment within groups. Participants learn to assess leadership effectiveness in their teams, identify areas for improvement, and create actionable plans to enhance outcomes. By focusing on these three pillars, the workshop empowers individuals and groups to work cohesively toward achieving results that surpass individual efforts.
GINA MCGUIRE
The Mind Matters: Mindfulness Meditation for Everyone
Explore the neuroscience behind Mindfulness Meditation and experience the benefits of incorporating simple daily practices to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while building new neural pathways to improve emotional regulation
AGENDA
Thursday,June26,2025
7:00-8:15 - Breakfast
8:30-9:30 - NHDE Speaker
9:45-11:00 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS #1
Jennifer Abrams
“Suspending Certainty and Building Resiliency-Why Does Developing These Capacities Matter in Schools”
Sandi Herrera & Dr. Stacie Herrera
“EQ in Action: Empowering Minds and Emotions in Education”
Dr. Deanna Donnelly & Melissa Iudice
“Restoring Communities Using Restorative Practices”
Erica McLaughlin & Mike McRaith
“Step Up to Conflict” Part 1 of 2
Jay Nichols
“Direction, Alignment, Commitment” Part 1 of 2
Thursday,June26,2025
11:15-12:30 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS #2
Mike McRaith - “Digital Addiction”
Dr. Kathleen Murphy & Anna Parrill & Team
“Shaping School Culture: How Elementary Students Lead the Way Through Programs Like Recess Rangers”
Jennifer Grantham & Team
“The Collaboration Awakens: A One Book, One School Journey”
Erica McLaughlin
“Step Up to Conflict” Part 2 of 2
Jay Nichols
“Direction, Alignment, Commitment” Part 2 of 2
12:45-1:45 - Lunch/Annual Meeting
AGENDA
Thursday,June26,2025
2:00-3:15 - BREAKOUT SESSIONS #3
Jennifer Abrams
“Having Hard Conversations with Parents and Families”
Mike McRaith
“Digital Addiction”
Heidi Tauer
“Maximizing the Benefits of Flex Periods at the High School Level”
Karen Matso and Marissa Hooper
“Keys to Building Schoolwide Collective Efficacy”
Sandi Herrera & Dr. Stacie Herrera
“From Purpose to Practice: Crafting Your Own Educational Compass Mission, Vision, and Values”
2:00-3:45- Mirka Zapletal
“Outdoor Learning: Getting Kids and Curriculum Outside”
4:30-5:30pm - Reception on the Patio Sponsored by New England College
5:30pm - Evening on Your Own
8:00-11:00pm - Dessert & Entertainment
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
9:45AM-11:00AM
JENNIFER ABRAMS
Suspending Certainty and Building Resiliency: Why Does Developing These Capacities Matter in Schools?
In this session Jennifer will go deeper into suspending certainty and building resiliency, two of the 5 facets from her book, Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work, What does it mean to stop and listen and not become defensive? How does one benefit from being more curious and inquisitive and not adding emotional pollution to discussions or receiving feedback? Self-assessments, discussions and video will be used in this breakoutall to grow one’s understanding of the facet, build one’s skill set and stretch us at our edges
SANDI HERRERA & DR. S RA
EQ In Action: Empowering Minds and Emotions in Education
Enhance your leadership Impact
Master Emotional Intelligence
Lead with Resilience and Empathy
This professional development training will empower you to enhance your emotional intelligence (EQ) and become a more impactful school leader. You’ll explore the core components of EQ and learn how to integrate them into your leadership practices, creating a supportive and emotionally balanced school environment Through interactive activities, you’ll discover how to foster a positive school culture and improve teacher retention Leave feeling energized and ready to lead with empathy, resilience, and effectiveness.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
9:45AM-11:00AM
DR. DEANNA DONNELLY & CE
Restoring Communities Using Re es
In this session we will be discussing the use and implementation of restorative practices to build stronger communities Our intent is to initiate a conversation about discipline and how changing the mindset around punitive measures can be challenging yet rewarding An overview of the three tiers of restorative practices, how they work in conjunction with each other as well as hands on tools and tips for getting started will be the main focus of our time together. Participants will gain knowledge and tools around the implementation of restorative practices. We will practice hands on strategies as well as discuss the challenges that public schools could face when initiating this type of framework.
MCLAUGHLIN & MIKE MCRAITH
Step Up to Conflict (Part 1 of 2)
The Step Up to Conflict workshop helps participants build essential conflict management skills to turn workplace disagreements into opportunities for creativity and innovation. Grounded in the belief that conflict is inevitable but can be constructive when handled effectively, this session teaches participants to identify conflict triggers, understand differing perspectives, and apply practical strategies for resolution. This workshop is ideal for individuals and teams looking to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity.
ERICA
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
9:45AM-11:00AM
JAY NICHOLS
Direction, Alignment and Commitment (Part 1 of 2)
The Direction, Alignment, Commitment (DAC) workshop, explores leadership as a collective social process that produces shared direction, coordinated alignment, and mutual commitment within groups. Participants learn to assess leadership effectiveness in their teams, identify areas for improvement, and create actionable plans to enhance outcomes. By focusing on these three pillars, the workshop empowers individuals and groups to work cohesively toward achieving results that surpass individual efforts
MIKE MCRAITH
Digital Addiction
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
11:15AM-12:30PM
This session will explore the increasing awareness of the risk and impacts of digital addiction for youth. The session will examine the scale of the issue and its impacts. We will also review the ongoing class-action lawsuits among several states against large social media companies on behalf of youth and the intersection on mental health. The session will review the current landscape among schools as new legislation, policies and procedures begin to take shape regarding reduced access to personal devices and increased direct instruction on the risks of digital addiction and best practices for responsible use This session will be interactive and through guided discussions, attendees will leave with resources and ideas for school leadership in understanding and responding to digital addiction and personal device usage in schools.
DR. KATHLEEN MURPHY & ANNA PARRILL & TEAM CLARK-WILKINS ELEMENTARY, AMHERST
Shaping School Culture: How Elementary Students Lead the Way Through Programs Like Recess Rangers
Join this interactive workshop to discover how student leadership programs can transform school climate and culture. Learn practical strategies to implement initiatives like Recess Rangers, empowering students to lead, collaborate, and create a positive impact in your school community. Whether you're looking to replicate the success of these initiatives or seeking inspiration to start your own student leadership programs, this session promises actionable insights and proven strategies
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
11:15AM-12:30PM
JENNIFER GRANTHAM & TEAM-LITCHFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Collaboration Awakens: A One Book, One School Journey
Participants will learn how a team of dedicated educators united to create a schoolwide unit that fostered a love of reading and brought our community together Using the "One School, One Book" initiative as a foundation, we worked collaboratively to select a single book that engaged our students and inspired meaningful SEL conversations across grade levels This workshop will provide participants with actionable strategies to create their own "One School, One Book" program, bringing together educators, students, and families to build a culture that values and celebrates reading.
ERICA MCLAUGHLIN
Step Up to Conflict (Part 2 of 2)
The Step Up to Conflict workshop helps participants build essential conflict management skills to turn workplace disagreements into opportunities for creativity and innovation Grounded in the belief that conflict is inevitable but can be constructive when handled effectively, this session teaches participants to identify conflict triggers, understand differing perspectives, and apply practical strategies for resolution This workshop is ideal for individuals and teams looking to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity
JAY NICHOLS
Direction, Alignment, Commitment -DAC Framework (Part 2 of 2)
The Direction, Alignment, Commitment (DAC) workshop, explores leadership as a collective social process that produces shared direction, coordinated alignment, and mutual commitment within groups. Participants learn to assess leadership effectiveness in their teams, identify areas for improvement, and create actionable plans to enhance outcomes. By focusing on these three pillars, the workshop empowers individuals and groups to work cohesively toward achieving results that surpass individual efforts
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
2:00PM-3:15PM
JENNIFER ABRAMS
Having Hard Conversations with Parents and Families
As administrators we often come up against situations with families where difficult topics must be addressed. What do we know about the best strategies for these specific moments? What questions should we be asking ourselves before we speak, and what language is best for when we do speak? Based on Jennifer’s books, Having Hard Conversations, and Hard Conversations Unpacked, and her work with conflict and interpersonal communication, this session will provide participants with planning and scripting tools for having those necessary humane and growth producing conversations with families
MIKE MCRAITH
Digital Addiction
This session will explore the increasing awareness of the risk and impacts of digital addiction for youth. The session will examine the scale of the issue and its impacts. We will also review the ongoing class-action lawsuits among several states against large social media companies on behalf of youth and the intersection on mental health. The session will review the current landscape among schools as new legislation, policies and procedures begin to take shape regarding reduced access to personal devices and increased direct instruction on the risks of digital addiction and best practices for responsible use. This session will be interactive and through guided discussions, attendees will leave with resources and ideas for school leadership in understanding and responding to digital addiction and personal device usage in schools
HEIDI TAUER-PINKERTON ACADEMY
Maximizing the Benefits of Flex Periods at the High School Level
This interactive workshop will examine the value of implementing a flex or intervention period in high schools and offer strategies to maximize its impact The session will highlight how these flexible periods can enhance student engagement, provide targeted academic support, and foster relationships with trusted adults. A facilitated discussion will encourage attendees to share insights and experiences regarding the challenges of implementing and managing flex periods while focusing on innovative ways to use the time effectively and maintain student accountability. By the end of the workshop, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how a well-implemented flex or intervention period can enrich the high school experience.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
2:00PM-3:15PM
KAREN MATSO & MARISSA HOOPER
Keys to Building Schoolwide Collective Efficacy
in this session delivered by Demonstrated Success coaches, learn strategies to build collective efficacy, such as articulating explicit, limited outcomes, scaffolding the work of teacher teams to encourage success, using outcomes to celebrate success publicly. Leaders will leave the session with a sequenced approach to creating this powerful cultural change in their buildings.
SANDI HERRERA & DR. ST A
From Purpose to Practice: Crafting Your Educational Compass (Mission, Vision, Values)
Foster Growth & Inclusivity Culture School-Wide and in the Classroom
This professional development training empowers educators to align with a clear educational compass It's about building a school's Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV) and connecting educators with a renewed sense of purpose You'll learn how a well-defined MVV unifies school goals and creates a purpose-driven environment that permeates school-wide culture as well as individual classroom cultures Through interactive exercises and discussions, you’ll explore your own educational purpose and discover how to turn your school's MVV into actionable practices. We will guide you in cultivating a culture of growth and inclusivity that empowers student success. By the end of this workshop, you’ll be equipped with strategies to implement these principles in your school, ensuring a unified and inclusive educational environment.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Day2,ThursdayJune26,2025
2:00PM-3:45PM
MIRKA ZAPLETAL
Outdoor Learning: Getting Kids and Curriculum Outside
We've heard that getting students of all ages outside can support mental health, learning, and physical wellbeing, but finding the time and resources to make it work can feel daunting- what are the benefits of bringing class outdoors and how can we navigate the challenges that limit those options? Join Mirka Zapletal, Education & Outreach Coordinator for the Newfound Lake Region Association, to explore the whys and hows of outdoor learning Get a better sense of the overall value of taking students outside, hear about collaborative projects that bring informal and formal educators together outside to address skill development and content standards, and experience a variety of activities that make nature part of the classroom. Please be prepared to go outside and explore, including walking trails, sitting on the ground, and getting up close to nature.
Making Sense of the 306 Rules-Prioritization Through Collaboration
The newly adopted ED306 rules for state minimum standards, approved by the State School Board in December of 2024, represent a shift which will impact every district and school in the state. To stay ahead of these changes, work in each district will need to consider policy updates, high school course offerings, graduation requirements, and standard alignment. This session will introduce NH educators to the changes within the ED306s and provide a playbook for how to tackle them. This session will provide collaborative time for school leaders to organize by grade span to dialogue about implications and suggestions related to implementation of the rules.
11:00-11:30 Q & A Follow Up
11:30 - Conclusion of the 2025 NHASP Leadership Academy
