Schedule General Sessions Pre-Convention Workshops School Luncheons Got Mail Café The Principals' Store Tree 5K Expo Highlights

General Sessions

Leadership Lessons Learned

Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) developed an unwavering commitment to the civil rights movement at an early age, and for more than three decades has dedicated his life to taking a stand for nonviolence and human rights. At the age of 23, Lewis was a keynote speaker at the historic "March on Washington" in August 1963 during which Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Lewis also directed one of the most dramatic nonviolent protests of the civil rights movement when he led 525 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, in 1965.

Lewis has won the admiration and respect of colleagues and citizens around the world, and for many, epitomizes true leadership. Awarded numerous honorary degrees from colleges and universities throughout the United States, Congressman Lewis is also the recipient of distinguished awards, including the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Non-Violent Peace Prize as well as the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award. In the 107th Congress, Lewis continues to serve Georgia's fifth congressional district; he is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and also serves as chief deputy democratic whip. Take a walk with Congressman Lewis as he shares his memories of the civil rights movement and his lessons learned.

Are We Ready To Ask the Hard Questions About Education?

"The debate about education has politicians using education as a club to beat each other up. They talk about education to further their political agenda, they expound on theories, and propose unworkable policies, forgetting, of course, all about the kids. Public school executives, and that's what principals are, have the power to make things right, to get the politician's attention, and to get focus back on the needs of the children. They have to stand up for their schools and their students, because they have the voices that can be heard," says award winning journalist Ray Suarez, former host of NPR's Talk of the Nation, currently of the Jim Lehrer NewsHour. Suarez will challenge attendees to stand up and lead-as a powerful voice for students.

Macaroni at Midnight

What does it take to stand up and lead when you have been beaten down time after time? As a Chippewa Indian growing up with emotional and physical disabilities in an environment of poverty, violence, abuse, and alcoholism, Don Bartlette had more than his share of strikes against him. However, with inner strength, determination, and the help of one person who cared enough, he was able to triumph over his disadvantages and become not only a successful educator and counselor, but also an advocate for and role model to those who face adversity. Bartlette, who elicited a spontaneous standing ovation following his presentation at the Morning Inspirational at the NASSP Convention in Phoenix last March, will share his unique and powerful message of love, forgiveness, tolerance, and inspiration. His message will reinforce your commitment to touch students' lives, as you Stand Up and Lead.