“We must continually fight for financial and overall support, seek mentorship opportunities and build agency. Administrators must connect with each other because it is a lonely job, and it’s easy to feel isolated.”
As we celebrate National Principals Month, it’s time to recognize the leaders at the heart of every school’s success. While much of the public conversation about education rightly focuses on teachers, the evidence is clear: next to the classroom teacher, the school principal is the most important in-school factor influencing student learning.
“We were once the No. 1 murder ZIP code,” Principal Nneka Warren says of her school community. “Now, I’ve been here almost eight years and am proud of the change in climate and academics. Even our grounds are nicer now. It’s night and day.”
This year’s convocation emphasized the intersections of culture, community, and change, encouraging attendees to embrace innovation while staying grounded in self-care and the shared strength of their union.
The 2026 Diann Woodard Scholarship online application and guidelines are now open. If you have a graduating high school senior planning to attend college in 2026, now is the time to encourage them to apply!
