AASA/NSPRA Leadership for Public Trust

Narrative Leadership Track

As public education becomes increasingly shaped by political tension, competing community expectations, and heightened scrutiny, leadership teams must be equipped to navigate complexity while maintaining focus, alignment, and trust. This track explores how leaders incorporate communication awareness into decision-making so that actions are understood, supported, and grounded in community context.

Session 3: Using Story to Drive Understanding and Support (May 17, 2027 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern)

Stories help make leadership priorities visible, but only when used intentionally. When aligned to district goals, stories can build understanding, reinforce direction, and sustain momentum over time.

This session focuses on how leadership teams can use real examples and experiences to make their work more tangible and meaningful for stakeholders. It positions the story not as a communication output, but as a leadership tool for reinforcing priorities, demonstrating progress, and maintaining alignment over time.

Presenters: Laurie Dent, Ph.D., superintendent, and Elle Warmuth, APR, director of communications | Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (Wash.)

Pricing for a single virtual session: $299