That’s a wrap for the 2018 National School Boards Association’s annual conference. The more than 6,000 school board members, superintendents, and other educational leaders who gathered in San Antonio had important conversations on the major issues facing K-12 schools.
This year’s theme: Be extraordinary.
The event started with a rousing keynote from football legend and NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, in which the former Super Bowl winning quarterback challenged school leaders to be “purposeful” and “loving” in their work.
A Louisiana native from a working-class family, Bradshaw credits a strong work ethic with helping him become one of the most recognizable sports figures, actors and television personalities of his generation.
For the women and men in attendance at NSBA, Bradshaw’s story served as the perfect backdrop for the three-day celebration and conference, which focused on inspiring everyday schoolchildren to achieve extraordinary feats, and providing them with the guidance and support they need to succeed.
Attendees shared their stories of inspiration on Twitter, using the hashtag #NSBAConf. Here’s some of our favorite highlights from the weekend.
Monday
.@Tom_NSBA NSBA Exec. Dir. & CEO speaking backstage with our keynote speaker Julian Castro @SecretaryCastro #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/qJxIQMUiKE
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 9, 2018
Here we are at Day 3 of Annual Conference in San Antonio. Thank you for Standing up 4 Public Schools with us! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/VVYT3tQSiy
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 9, 2018
It’s the last day for the 2018 #NSBAConf and I’ve truly enjoyed myself here in San Antonio!
So many fantastic sessions and plenty of notes and ideas to bring back to @pgcps.
Safe travels, everyone – our work continues! pic.twitter.com/eDxaHJ93x1
— K. Alexander Wallace (@KAlexWallace) April 9, 2018
Lookin forward to spending the morning today at the Latino Leadership Forum at #NSBAConf #NSBAConf18 Speakers @MALDEF @CelinaYMoreno and @SAISD superintendent Pedro Martinez.
— Roberto Rodriguez (@Roberto_Rodrgz) April 9, 2018
NSBA board members see latest simulations & medical methods to treat severely burned patients at Brook Army Medical Center @nsbacomm #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/qRaRyPALBz
— Ann Flynn (@annie54) April 9, 2018
The World Music Ensemble from the @RBHSGators at the @NSBAComm National Conference. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/Jxu5PzgKKO
— Devin Sheehan (@DevinMSheehan) April 9, 2018
Fun for closing session of #Nsbaconf! pic.twitter.com/GmZdAMoG3J
— James Barrett (@jcbarr) April 9, 2018
NSBA, the National Hispanic Council of School Board Members & @SAHispanicCC sponsored today's early morning Latino Leadership Forum. Panels discussed resources & programs supporting Latino students in the classroom and in career preparation. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/9PTetpx4cP
— Kathleen Vail (@ASBJEditor) April 9, 2018
Amazing music coming from 50 gal drums made into an instrument with a hammer. Enjoying the music of Trinidad at the NSBA Conference. I love the diversity of the ARTS. River Bluff High School South Carolina. #nsbaconf pic.twitter.com/4SX3rt9INJ
— Mary Nielson (@marydnielson) April 9, 2018
“NSBA’s Delegate Assembly is leading the charge for equity and inclusion.” @Kevin_NSBA #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/31dEYj1Imv
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 9, 2018
Introducing NSBA President @Frank_Pugh – champion for students and public education! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/eqDdxJIZX1
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 9, 2018
Beth Branham, NSBA President Elect welcoming us to the closing session. @NSBAComm #NSBAConf @FLSchoolBoards pic.twitter.com/kvdGombIXH
— April M Griffin (@AprilMGriffin2) April 9, 2018
Congratulations to @frank_pugh from the @NYSchoolSupts on becoming 18-19 president of @NSBAComm. #NSBAconf #LovePublicEducation
— Charles S. Dedrick (@csdedrick) April 9, 2018
WPCSD in NV stands up for public schools! #NSBA2018 #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/zPavtpFCD7
— Jess Trask (@WPjesstrask) April 9, 2018
More amazingly talented students!#NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/7KJDjbUnEe
— Michelle Badger (@Michelle_Badger) April 9, 2018
Gail Pletnick @aasahq President – “You are the key to this important work. Leadership matters. Public education matters! Public schools are the backbone of our democracy.” #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/U4rK6Q5Igs
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 9, 2018
¡Bienvenidos a #SanAntonio! At #NSBAConf, @JulianCastro welcomes all, shares his experiences as a #highschool #teacher & his appreciation for all who work in #publiceducation & daily help to create the #AmericanDream. pic.twitter.com/DT4brjz7GD
— Mexican American School Boards Association (@MASBATX) April 9, 2018
Thanks to @JulianCastro for speaking at the closing session of @NSBAComm #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/iJQBeKWcU5
— Sylvia Roland (@sylviaroland) April 9, 2018
Listening to @JulianCastro challenging school board members to never forget excellence, equity, and integrity. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/SRzPQCn07R
— Anne Baunach (@AnneBaunach) April 9, 2018
Excited for the opportunity to visit @Toyota and learn about STEM in the real world! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/MITsqOSvLf
— anegrete (@anegrete2) April 9, 2018
Good crowd for Supt. search seminar, many districts looking for new leadership. State Associations searches are working for their members. @mnmsba #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/FmOIhfYexY
— Gary Lee (@littleorv) April 9, 2018
“Sometimes we underestimate the power of engagement” @AppleEDU @NSBAComm #nsbaconf #WEareLakota pic.twitter.com/ROcuhEyNEM
— Brad Lovell (@BradRLovell) April 9, 2018
Next after communication & involvement is engagement (parents have a positive & healthy emotional supportive connection & commitment w/teacher, school, district). SC role is at the policy level to remove those barriers. The role of staff is to make those connections. #NSBAConf
— Kristen Stringfellow (@kristenstring) April 9, 2018
#NSBAConf Latino Leadership Forum @CelinaYMoreno “DACA doesn’t only affect students, but it as also estimated that over 20,000 teachers nationwide fall under DACA designation”
— Roberto Rodriguez (@Roberto_Rodrgz) April 9, 2018
Sunday
Superintendent searches, board and superintendent relationships, and pushing forward on equity were some of the subjects discussed between AASA Executive Director Daniel Domenech and NSBA Executive Director and CEO Thomas Genzel during a Sunday Master Class at #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/1B0xAG0BaL
— Kathleen Vail (@ASBJEditor) April 9, 2018
Thanks to Sups. Nick Polyak (Leyden); Merv Daugherty (Red Clay); and Brian Nichols ( Newport News) who presented on their Magna Grand Prize winning districts during Sunday's #NSBAConf Master Class on Equity Solutions. pic.twitter.com/awFWMXYCXy
— Kathleen Vail (@ASBJEditor) April 9, 2018
.@anncompton delivering the keynote presentation at General Session of #NSBAConf #beextraordinary pic.twitter.com/FZy4s4M3Bn
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 8, 2018
Ernest Green, one of Little Rock 9, recounting his experience on front line of desegregation, in a time when the law “was used as a weapon” and there was a need to adapt quickly. #NSBAConf @NSBAComm pic.twitter.com/COfhSfEHJs
— Tom Gentzel (@Tom_NSBA) April 8, 2018
#NSBAConf travel to Alamo and investigation with park district remote learning. pic.twitter.com/jqYDKRArEJ
— Michael S. Francisco (@msfrancisco) April 9, 2018
Hear from #NSBAConf keynote speaker @AnnCompton! https://t.co/uufPRDdUxX via @YouTube
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 8, 2018
.@daveblaiklock leads an open and honest #NSBAConf discussion on #schoolsafety to a standing room only study hall session. @K12TrustED pic.twitter.com/ZfsSQKhiQh
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) April 8, 2018
Magna Award Winner #WeAreRedClay #FutureReady #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/FygP7auC3s
— Ashley Sabo (@AshyAdvocate) April 8, 2018
At the Alamo with board members learning about the phrase “flash in the pan” and the resources the Alamo has to remotely support history education.@NSBAComm #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/EnOMQvbTn6
— Ann Flynn (@annie54) April 8, 2018
Gotta love #sanAntonio #roadtrip #nsbaconf pic.twitter.com/urpLyqNAT2
— Eric Davis (@daviswelcome) April 8, 2018
#NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/11jYB055wd
— Tracy Miller (@tjmiller2004) April 8, 2018
“You are the present, but we are the future.” Closing words of the @DLRGroup Student Innovation Challenge by the San Antonio ISD team. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/dJSScF0SIg
— Vanessa Manbeck (@vanessarenae) April 8, 2018
Today more than ever, education remains the key to escaping poverty, while poverty remains the biggest obstacle to education. #NSBAConf #ksed #povertychat pic.twitter.com/h1LeyhGPOm
— Christie Appelhanz (@ChristieAppel) April 8, 2018
We are having a great time with Drums Alive at #NSBAConf! pic.twitter.com/MG2FR5a2c0
— Allison Willemin (@AWillemin) April 8, 2018
Powerful student-led prezo from St. Paul Public Schools on creating inclusive schools through authentic engagement. Some of the results include rethinking school board policies!! @SPPSSEAB #NSBAConf @NSBAComm pic.twitter.com/GVgkoxmu9t
— john gordon (@johngordon1) April 8, 2018
#Standup4publicschools #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/zzOEFegrgd
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 8, 2018
Park Ranger Tom Castanos at Mission San Juan National Historical Park explaining hardships of early years at the early missions. #NSBAConf @nsbacomm pic.twitter.com/WiMJbuYiuD
— Ann Flynn (@annie54) April 8, 2018
.@ShelbyTXk12 leads our #NSBAConf session on declining school enrollment. Is customer service part of your student retention strategy? #edchat @K12TrustED https://t.co/w7WPOZwWJl pic.twitter.com/ZoWPIEBBKM
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) April 8, 2018
Inspired by @willrich45-critically important for school boards to create culture of innovation #NSBA2018 #NSBAconf pic.twitter.com/OQLfmKEHnz
— Mary Jane Hetrick (@DrMaryJHetrick) April 8, 2018
We are so grateful to Dr. Emma Turner for her leadership as chair of NBC and look forward to Carla Windfont (@CarlaWindfont) continuing to push us forward as we ensure that Black students receive an equitable education that allows them to succeed! @NSBAComm #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/E9STL2liV2
— Lucy Berrier (@lucyberrier) April 8, 2018
@PDeklotz: "With more dual working parents and fragmented families, teacher relationships with their students are more important than ever" if we are going to teach to the needs of our students. @NSBAComm #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/6MJ3hBnLSI
— john gordon (@johngordon1) April 8, 2018
Listening to 2018 Magna Grand Prize Winners and loving how districts use creative master scheduling to lower class sizes which increases rigor AND addresses equity. #NSBAConf
— Anne Halsey (@anne_halsey) April 8, 2018
H/T Cristina Jimenez @UNITEDWEDREAM, a stalwart champion 4 #DACA recipients & #Immigrant youth, who was honored today at @NSBAComm's National #Hispanic Council Luncheon. #NSBAConf @jaramos_jr @NALEO pic.twitter.com/kxNgLuOm9I
— Micah Ali (@mrmicahali) April 8, 2018
Learning about policies and initiatives that focus on bringing equity to school districts. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/TDHBpumJcl
— Miguel Arredondo (@JMA_SMTX) April 8, 2018
At #NSBAConf President-Elect Lorna Lewis @pobsupt and I met w/ @AASAHQ superintendent of the year @DSchuler1970 to discuss “Redefining Ready.” Watch for some exciting news on it @NYSchoolSupts fall conference in Saratoga Springs. pic.twitter.com/x6soUJ1C6d
— Charles S. Dedrick (@csdedrick) April 8, 2018
Inspired by Ann Compton speech at NSBA. Duality of digital media. Defining moments of history she witnessed. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/YfpImGlAhr
— Cherie Sage (@sageanddaisies) April 8, 2018
Will Richardson addresses the NSBA Ed Tech Luncheon and challenging the thinking of board members….thanks Education Superhighway for its support! @nsbacomm #nsbaconf pic.twitter.com/VtUPEGxh65
— Ann Flynn (@annie54) April 8, 2018
Ernest Green one of the “Little Rock Nine” “Let your haters be your motivators!”#NSBAConf #equity @docspeaks @CNL_dist50boe pic.twitter.com/aPuzFytUXs
— Dr. Lori Casey🌷 (@LoriCasey5) April 8, 2018
Hearing history come alive at @NSBAComm National Black Caucus from Ernest Green .. one of the Little Rock Nine. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/uuJYwC7eqX
— Kevin Ciak (@Kevin_NSBA) April 8, 2018
Important discussions continue after our #NSBAConf study hall session on #SchoolSafety w/ @daveblaiklock. @K12TrustED @NSBAComm pic.twitter.com/dUNLsMp3YC
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) April 8, 2018
Thank you @AnnCompton for an inspiring message and being transparent about what it takes to be a strong leader in a changing world. #NSBAconf @NSBAComm pic.twitter.com/4RqwZevuAD
— Brad Lovell (@BradRLovell) April 8, 2018
#RT @David__ORourke: RT @FSBAAndrea: @AnnCompton says the most painful and personal stories during her career have been about public schools #nsbaconf @FLSchoolBoards pic.twitter.com/QsJDLZRwX8
— Supt. Renee Garrett (@ReneeGarrett18) April 8, 2018
Just listened to the melodic sounds of @desotoisdengage choir during the @NSBAComm NBC Luncheon!! @LancasterISD @Lancaster_TX @Ambitiousfew @desototx #SayItLoud #ChildrenFirst #NSBAConf #PamelaDawson pic.twitter.com/H3nNvIv19y
— Ty G Jones (@TyGJones) April 8, 2018
Here is a glimpse of the video highlighting our #NSBAConf Magna Grand Prize Award for equity. #NNPSproud pic.twitter.com/dqLrNMGcQ5
— Brian J. Nichols (@bjnichols) April 8, 2018
#learners hard at work at the #StudentInnovationChallenge Boards members learn what inspires students! Outside Hall 1 exit #nsbaconf @DLRGroup @collegestationisd @sanantonioisd @LockhartISD pic.twitter.com/fuKchA0BAr
— Taryn Kinney (@TkChangeAgent) April 8, 2018
Yes there are #suptsocks @NSBAComm #NSBAConf. When in #Texas one must wear the proper socks. @NYSchoolSupts @Greg_Berck pic.twitter.com/fjCQq5iDcH
— Charles S. Dedrick (@csdedrick) April 8, 2018
Kicking off Day 2 of Annual Conference shortly! Follow the conversation and give us a shout out using the conference hashtag #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/c3xMzcobDP
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 8, 2018
Starting off #NSBAConf this morning with the Girls’ Choir from @HazelwoodSD What a great performance. pic.twitter.com/jTHbnYcyGd
— Matt Miller (@LakotaSuper) April 8, 2018
Our National American Indian/Alaska Native Council with our breakfast speaker Jennifer Loren (@NotSoNewsjen) – she brought a crucial message on the importance of accurate recognition of Cherokee history and culture #NSBAconf @NSBAComm pic.twitter.com/Qm7j2ZYpJB
— Lucy Berrier (@lucyberrier) April 8, 2018
The key actions to transition from a traditional #schoolboard to a #Vision2030 School Board! #nsbaconf pic.twitter.com/klp4fdXaIX
— Kevin Ciak (@Kevin_NSBA) April 8, 2018
The team's all set for #NSBAConf day 2. What sessions are you most excited about? @K12TrustED #edchat https://t.co/dNVDc9dyW1 pic.twitter.com/QvDx7P9vxi
— K12 Insight (@K12Insight) April 8, 2018
Saturday
Getting ready for opening session at #NSBAConf! pic.twitter.com/otG0Hlr5jE
— Tom Gentzel (@Tom_NSBA) April 7, 2018
#NSBAConf Great opening session!! pic.twitter.com/hbVFi3kNYd
— Jamie Devine (@JLDevine1) April 7, 2018
The best way to get started – with student performers! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/NpkaH1XvXi
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 7, 2018
We are ready! #NSBAConf #lifetouch pic.twitter.com/4GzRE9eVIf
— Brinn Johnson (@itsbrinnjohnson) April 7, 2018
Cristina Jimenez (@UNITEDWEDREAM), a champion for DACA recipients and immigrant youth, was honored today at the National Hispanic Council Luncheon during #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/nxcibTkD5I
— Kathleen Vail (@ASBJEditor) April 7, 2018
Being extraordinary with @terrybradshaw! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/wM5AEwCO5u
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 7, 2018
Here is a great image for Trauma Informed MTSS. 👍 #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/Mrcz8PKdKH
— Dr. Cade J. Douglas (@CadeDoug) April 7, 2018
Each student matters. Equity matters. @Tom_NSBA #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/1SXUPXhmAs
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 7, 2018
Creating equity in student opportunity. One of the best sessions I attended today. The more I learn, the more opportunities I see for self growth and development. Never stop learning! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/ZTWP79UZDu
— Will Barnett (@will_barnett_ky) April 7, 2018
Grabbed our seats for @NSBAComm #NSBAConf Opening General Session. Excited to see keynote speaker @terrybradshaw and loving the Roberto Clemente quote 👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/WSy88iiBwz
— Roberto Rodriguez (@Roberto_Rodrgz) April 7, 2018
Listening to the National Anthem sung by Elizabeth King from Tom C. Clark HS, San Antonio #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/m5uj9H1Qea
— NSBA | School Boards (@NSBAComm) April 7, 2018
Networking @ #NSBACONF pic.twitter.com/KwgjIAc9UX
— Keith Griffin (@1Keith41) April 7, 2018
What do you call a group of school board members traveling together? A school! Ba-dum-pum #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/pr6cHQ9r5Y
— Jordan Posamentier (@jposamen) April 7, 2018
ALL students deserve:
To be surrounded by adults & peers who care about them, who have high expectations for them, who take personal responsibility for them & who are unconditionally committed to their success! #NSBAConf— Kristen Stringfellow (@kristenstring) April 6, 2018
Very #AISDProud to serve on a panel with these smart women, @TkChangeAgent, @elisajoan & @KristinAshy, to talk about @AustinISD facilities and bond engagement process at #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/8VTjUr3puz
— Yasmin Wagner (@yasminwagneratx) April 7, 2018
Honored to spend the weekend w/thousands of dedicated school board members, educators and advocates to stand up for public schools. #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/ajrsYhh9CI
— Patrick Woods (@cpatrickwoods) April 7, 2018
#NSBAConf Ready to get this learning party started! @wayzataschools pic.twitter.com/SonuNVQRp3
— Cheryl Polzin (@cheryl_polzin) April 6, 2018
PIISD Board Member Cecilia Castillo learning to fly a drone. @PointIsabelISD #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/i0T5jUp7hY
— Dr. Lisa Garcia (@Garcialisak) April 7, 2018
We're here and representing our great district! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/6zLgdrs7Gm
— Dawn Miller (@DawnLMiller) April 7, 2018
Ready to go to first breakout session! #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/tp000LwI3s
— Michael S. Francisco (@msfrancisco) April 7, 2018
This what a working table looks like. #NSBAConf @FLSchoolBoards pic.twitter.com/42q8FHfX6r
— FSBA Andrea (@FSBAAndrea) April 6, 2018
Representing @psd_ri @NSBAComm #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/hExMl4BuO2
— Ana Riley (@riley_ana) April 7, 2018
Hanging fun and games with my colleague from Iowa as well as meeting @TSBATammy (top right in the pic) @PeyAlarconFlory @NSBAComm #votetech #NSBAConf pic.twitter.com/7WkiV3SOIO
— john gordon (@johngordon1) April 7, 2018
Does every kid in your building have a caring adult, one adult, that really sees them every day? I mean really sees them? What will we choose to do – because they are waiting. #disruptingpoverty #NSBAConf @MABE_News @FCPSMaryland
— Joy Schaefer (@JoySchaeferMd) April 7, 2018
So absolutely #MASBAproud of our #mariachi at @EdcouchElsaISD, representing & sharing our rich culture, music & traditions with all who are visiting us from throughout the U.S. at @NSBAComm #NSBAConf! ¡#ArribaElMariachi! 🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶 pic.twitter.com/brpylZPIKr
— Mexican American School Boards Association (@MASBATX) April 7, 2018
Standing room ONLY at the @CUBE_NSBA #CUBE session on Ensuring the Success of Male Students of Color Across Educational Sectors. Thx 2 the gentleman who gave me his seat, so I didn’t have to stand. @NSBAComm #NSBAConf equityWORK pic.twitter.com/AHo7YyqPp2
— Ericka Ellis-Stewart (@Ericka4CMSBoard) April 7, 2018
Ran into this great group from Indiana's MSD Warren Township School Board volunteering at the Community Service Project @ #NSBAConf. Thanks, Terri, Lynn, Michelle & Julie. pic.twitter.com/ySBRQpO2bA
— Kathleen Vail (@ASBJEditor) April 6, 2018
"Kids need strong families, families need strong communities, communities need strong schools." Empowering words from @WesMoore1 #nsbaconf pic.twitter.com/xnKs6Dg5gP
— Jason Cipriano (@ciprianofornh) March 27, 2017
Want to share your NSBA moment? Follow and message us on Twitter at @K12TrustED and we’ll add you to this year’s NSBA roundup.
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