Leadership in School Communication Program
Speak with one voice. Lead with one purpose.
As public education continues to evolve, clear and proactive communication has never been more essential to success鈥攁nd it starts at the top. The Leadership in School Communication Program (LISC) is designed to strengthen communication leadership, whether you're working with a dedicated communications team member or leading communication efforts yourself as superintendent.
This strategic alignment opportunity helps you build the leadership skills and tools needed to ensure your entire system tells a coherent, compelling story of impact.
This program is done in partnership with the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).
Registration Options
Registration covers the full series for a superintendent and their leadership team to learn together. A la carte registration by module is also available. All sessions will be recorded and available for participants to watch on-demand for a flexible learning experience.
Register for the full program and take advantage of all four modules. Each registrant will receive a copy of NSPRA鈥檚 publication and a comprehensive resource guide (a $125 value!). All modules will be recorded and available to participants to access on-demand.
You can participate in the full program as a:
Two-person superintendent + communications leader team
Full communications team (with or without a superintendent)
Individual superintendent or communications professional
Cost of full program: $1,000
Please note: Registration for this program is facilitated through NSPRA. When registering, you may need to create a login when prompted.
Register for one or more of the individual modules. Each registrant will receive a copy of NSPRA鈥檚 publication and a tailored resource guide specific to the module(s) they choose (a $125 value!). All modules will be recorded and available to participants to access on-demand.
Please see our Program Dates and Details section below to learn more about each module.
You can participate in an individual module as a:
Two-person superintendent + communications leader team
Full communications team (with or without a superintendent)
Individual superintendent or communications professional
Cost of each module: $275
Please note: Registration for this program is facilitated through NSPRA. When registering, 萝莉网members should create a login when prompted.
Program Dates & Details
Engaging Every Voice: How One District Transformed Its Community Culture
In this interactive virtual session, learn how school leaders can build stronger connections by ensuring every voice in the community is heard and valued. Participants will explore practical strategies for creating open lines of communication, encouraging participation from all stakeholder groups, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency. Through real-world examples and lessons learned, this session will highlight how inclusive engagement can strengthen relationships and support student success. Join us for a conversation that puts people 鈥� and listening 鈥� at the heart of school communication.
October 16, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
Speakers: Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent, and Bob Mosier, Chief Communications Officer, Anne Arundel County Public Schools (Md.)
or
Tackling Misinformation: A Collaborative Strategy for District Leaders
In today鈥檚 fast-moving information landscape, rumors and inaccuracies can spread quickly, impacting trust, morale, and decision-making. In this session, learn how a strong partnership between the superintendent and the communications team is the key to proactively addressing misinformation. Through this real-world case study, you'll discover how a district effectively uses clear messaging, community connection, and a focus on transparency to stay ahead of the noise. Participants will walk away with practical approaches for monitoring conversations, correcting false narratives, and strengthening communication systems by working as a united front. Join us to learn how this powerful collaboration helps a district stay focused on what matters most: students and staff.
November 13, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
Speakers: Dr. Erin Rathke, Superintendent, and Celi Haga, Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Eastern Carver County Schools (Minn.)
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Shared Vision, Strong Results: A Collaborative Approach to District Communication
When school leaders and communicators work in sync, good communication becomes great. In this module, learn how a strong superintendent鈥揷ommunications partnership has helped them build trust, stay aligned, and lead with clarity, especially when navigating complex or high-profile topics. With an emphasis on mutual support and shared vision, they'll offer practical insights for deepening board relationships, amplifying team strengths, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on students and community.
March 5, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
Speakers: Dr. Raquel Greer, Superintendent, and Lori Buselt, Executive Director of Communications, Maize USD 266 (Kan.)
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Building Board Cohesion: Structured Onboarding for Trust and Teamwork
Every time a new member joins the board, the entire dynamic shifts, bringing fresh perspectives, priorities, and challenges. In this session, hear how a superintendent - communications director duo created a proactive, relationship-driven onboarding process that sets the tone for trust, collaboration, and shared purpose. From communication protocols to culture-building conversations, their approach helps ensure every board transition strengthens, not stalls, district momentum. Walk away with practical ideas for supporting your board鈥檚 growth and your leadership team's success.
April 23, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
Speakers: Dr. Rosanna Mucetti, Superintendent, and Julie Bordes, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Napa Valley USD (Calif.)
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Each of the four modules will focus on a critical area of communication leadership. New content and speakers have been secured for this program year. Previous program participants are strongly encouraged to register to refresh their skillset and stay on top of the latest trends in effective communications.
Topics this year include:
- Engaging Every Voice: How One District Transformed Its Community Culture
- Tackling Misinformation: A Collaborative Strategy for District Leaders
- Shared Vision, Strong Results: A Collaborative Approach to District Communication
- Building Board Cohesion: Structured Onboarding for Trust and Teamwork
Speakers
Thank you to our program sponsor:
Being an effective communicator is a superpower that is harnessed through clear, consistent and transparent leadership that aligns your actions with your words.David Schuler, PhD
While superintendents have many responsibilities, the role of effective communicator is among the most important. The Leadership in School Communication Program provides participants with practical training and resources that can benefit both novice and experienced superintendents.
Rob Anderson
Details
October 16, 2025 to April 26, 2026
Please see 'Program Dates and Details' section for additional details and registration links.
Contacts
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Shane Haggerty
Senior Director, Brand & Client Strategy
AASA, 萝莉网
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Melissa McConnell
Manager of Professional Development and Member Services
National School Public Relations Association
What Participants are Saying:
Level Up In-Person: Pre-conference Session at NCE 2026
Ready for the Headlines: Media Response for Sensitive Staff Situations
Staff-related issues can quickly become front-page news, and your response sets the tone for your entire district. In this intensive, in-person pre-conference session, superintendents and school communication professionals will gain hands-on experience managing high-profile situations that demand immediate, credible responses.
Turn up the volume on your communication skills before AASA's 2026 National Conference on Education! This NCE pre-con is your chance to dive deeper into effective communication. Secure your spot when you register for NCE.
From the Dallas Metroplex to Kodiak Island: Growing as a Communications Leader
"We live in a diverse community that includes everything from U.S. Coast Guard families to villages in remote parts of the island. To serve them all, we needed communication tools that could reach everyone鈥攐n multiple platforms. I quickly realized that to lead this effort effectively, I had to develop my skills in school communications." - Cyndy Mika, superintendent of schools, Kodiak Island Borough School District (Alaska)
