Dr. Lance Gibbon served as an official blogger for the 2025 AASA National Conference on Education. This post was originally published on the AASA site on March 8, 2025 and can be viewed here.
When I came to my first National Conference on Education, I hoped to experience what I wrote about in my first blog post: "Stepping Away to See More Clearly." Well, mission accomplished! After several days of thought-provoking speakers, enthusiastic conversations, and interesting vendor exhibits, I certainly have renewed perspective. I'm returning home reinvigorated, inspired, and equipped with fresh insights.
Superintendent Stories: The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious
Connecting personally with fellow superintendents from coast to coast (literally—Oklahoma, New Jersey, Wyoming, Texas, and beyond) has been invaluable. Anyone who thinks school leadership isn’t entertaining hasn't sat in a room full of superintendents swapping stories. Let me assure you, the tales are as comforting as they are humorous—it's reassuring to know we're all navigating similar seas, complete with occasional storms and the sometimes unexpected wave of “feedback” from the communities we serve.
Among common challenges I heard were the increasingly difficult tasks of passing school funding measures and securing critical community support. Turns out, convincing people to fund education isn't getting easier. We also talked about navigating the uncertain and shifting waters of state and federal policy, staffing shortages, and meeting diverse student needs. While we’re not facing all of these issues in my current district, I’ve been there and can relate. There's comfort in knowing we're in this together, facing similar battles and celebrating similar victories.
Celebrating Wins and Inspiring Victories
Despite the challenges, there was no shortage of inspiring success stories shared by my peers. I heard countless heartening examples—from outstanding student achievements to creative staff initiatives. It reminded me just how impactful our work truly is. I proudly shared my own school district’s success stories, highlighting our remarkable student progress, our innovative programs such as outdoor education, our future building plans, and the incredible dedication of our educators, school board, and Tribal and community partners.
Innovative Tools and Promising Technologies
Engaging with vendors also sparked excitement. Yes, they’re there to sell—but many also brought genuinely useful solutions. I was particularly intrigued by emerging technologies in AI designed to personalize and enhance student learning. I look forward to exploring how these tools might support our teachers, help personalize instruction, and maybe even make paperwork slightly less onerous.
Leadership, Gratitude, and Responsibility
Reflecting on these experiences, I’m reminded how fortunate I am—blessed by supportive staff, engaged families, and a community genuinely invested in our students' success. I carry a renewed sense of responsibility, determined to honor these blessings by putting new ideas and tools into action. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging at times, but it's a journey I'm thrilled to take. Now, onward—to brighter days, clearer visions, and, hopefully, an uneventful plane ride home.