Real Talk: So You Want to Be a Principal?
Join us for some real talk about the incredibly rewarding yet complex role of a Principal. Hear from a panel of all female principals about their real-world experiences as they share practical strategies for leading change while avoiding common missteps and pitfalls. This session promises to be a catalyst for your growth and success in educational leadership. Join us for a lively discussion where we will share real stories, real feelings and real connections.
Outcomes:,
206, Walter E Washington Convention Center
Panel Discussion
Presented by
Principal
DC Public Schools
Dr. Courtney Wilkerson has been a school leader in The District of Columbia Public Schools since 2012. Dr. Wilkerson founded Before 1954, Inc., an ethnocultural leadership executive coaching corporation, and an adjunct professor at Howard University. The theme of Dr. Wilkerson’s leadership journey is an unyielding commitment to justice-oriented equity. Dr. Wilkerson employs an ethnocultural leadership approach that seeks a self-determining and liberatory praxis to center relationship, responsibility, and resistance to anti-Black/PGM culture, stories, and histories. Dr. Wilkerson designs leadership assessments that humanize and affirm the academic and cultural knowledge expressed by Black People of the Global Majority.
Principal
William D. Kelley School
A Lindback Award winning principal, Edwards has served as a secondary English teacher, middle school grade teacher, curriculum specialist, correctional GED English teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and mentor. Edwards is the visionary behind the innovative non-profit organization, Empowering Single Moms, Inc. ESM, Inc.'s mission is to educate, house and restore Single Mothers receiving federal assistance by conducting self-sufficiency training, conflict resolution and educational programs. Follow her @CrystalSaidThat on social media.
Managing Director, Partner Success
ASCD + ISTE
Dr. Keisha Chandler is an experienced education expert, currently serving as Managing Director of Partner Success at ASCD. With a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University and a Master of Science in training and organizational development, she has taught K-12 in urban school districts across the US. Keisha is a 2021-2022 DC Education Policy Fellow with the Institute of Educational Leadership and an adjunct professor at Trinity Washington University. She has also published works in the Journal for Research on African-American Women and the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database.
Principal
School District of Philadelphia
Kristin Williams-Smalley is an accomplished graduate of the School District of Philadelphia where she is the proud principal of the Academies at Roxborough High School. Principal Williams-Smalley has a relentless passion for unveiling and nurturing the untapped greatness of the black and brown children of Philadelphia, especially those in our neighborhood high schools. Entering into her 25th year in education is a milestone not taken lightly. She describes her professional journey by saying, "I am humbled and honored everyday to be gifted the opportunity to do what I am supposed to be doing; serving and loving our children on purpose.”
Principal
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Nadine Smith began her career 18 years ago as a 5th grade social studies teacher with the NYC Board of Ed. From there, she moved to Florida and taught in Miami-Dade Public Schools for 9 years. Ms. Smith joined DCPS in 2014 as the AP of literacy. Then in 2018, Ms. Smith assumed the role of principal at the historic Paul Laurence Dunbar HS, & her leadership has since sparked remarkable advancements. During her tenure, the school has more than doubled in enrollment; indicative of her ability to create an environment that attracts & retains students.
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206, Walter E Washington Convention Center
Panel Discussion