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About Us History of NSPRA

90 Years of NSPRA

90 Years of Progress, Purpose and Pride

For 90 years, the National School Public Relations Association has empowered school communication professionals through leadership, professional development and support. Explore highlights from our proud history and see how our association has evolved over the years.

Watch Our Story

A Brief History of NSPRA

1935–1949: Founding Years – Building a New Profession
  • NSPRA is founded in 1935, recognizing the need for structured communication between schools and their communities.
  • Early school PR work focuses heavily on print newsletters, parent outreach and building trust during a period of rapid societal change.
  • Begins affiliating with national education associations and laying the groundwork for professional standards.
1950–1969: Growth, Innovation, and National Recognition
  • Hosts its first seminar in 1954, beginning the annual national gathering of school PR professionals.
  • Membership steadily grows as school districts nationwide recognize the value of dedicated communication roles.
  • Begins formalizing awards and recognitions, encouraging excellence in school communications.
1970–1989: Expanding Professional Standards and Advocacy
  • Promotes school communication as a strategic management function, not just a support service, in part through the creation of an accreditation in school public relations (ASPR) program.
  • Launches new publications and professional development opportunities tailored to emerging challenges.
  • Strengthens relationships with national education groups such as AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the National School Board Association, expanding its reach.
1990–2002: Milestones and Modernization
  • Technology begins reshaping the profession, prompting new training on websites, crisis communication and electronic media.
  • Becomes one of eight founding member organizations of the Universal Accreditation Program and transitions from granting the ASPR to granting accreditation in public relations (APR).
  • Strategic partnerships and leadership initiatives prepare NSPRA for a new century.
2003–2019: Leading Through Change and Innovation
  • Launches the Communication Accountability Project (CAP), emphasizing the connection between communication and student success.
  • Achieves a mortgage-free headquarters and strengthens financial reserves, despite major economic downturns such as during the Great Recession.
  • Expands professional development offerings to include webinars.
2020–Present Day: Leading Through Change and Innovation

  • Navigates the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to serve as the voice for effective school communication nationwide.

  • Undergoes an extensive rebranding to reflect its vibrant personality and an updated mission of developing professionals to communicate strategically, build trust and foster positive relationships in support of their school communities.

  • Membership grows to 2,900 members.
  • A record-breaking 1,700 school communication professionals, superintendents and education leaders attend the NSRPA 2024 National Seminar in Bellevue, Wash. 

Interested in a deeper look? Read NSPRA’s full history, compiled by dedicated NSPRA leaders and historians.

  • NSPRA History: 1935–2002
  • NSPRA History: 2003–2020

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate our rich history, we are just as focused on the future. NSPRA remains committed to advancing the field of school communication through innovation, leadership development, and unwavering support for education communities. Here’s to building the next 90 years — together.

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