NSPRA Academy: Communications Team Leadership track
Leading a communications team requires a shift in focus from managing
tasks to guiding people, setting direction, and building systems that support the work.
The Communications Team Leadership track is designed for school
communicators who lead a team or department and are responsible for both strategy and execution. This experience focuses on strengthening leadership practices, improving team alignment, and building
structures that allow communication efforts to be more consistent, effective, and sustainable.
Participants will explore how to lead with clarity, manage competing
priorities, and support team members in ways that build capacity and confidence while still meeting the demands of the role.
Module 1: Monday, September 21, 2026 (2 - 4
p.m. ET, Virtual): Defining
Your Role as a Team Leader
Stepping into a communications leadership role requires more than
overseeing projects, it requires a different mindset. In this opening module, participants will examine how their role changes as they move from individual contributor to team leader. Through
practical examples and reflection, they'll identify where to focus their time, establish leadership priorities, and create greater clarity around their responsibilities. Participants will leave with
a stronger leadership foundation to guide the rest of the series.
Guest
Facilitator: Danielle Airey, APR | Chief Communications Officer, Peoria Unified School District (Ariz.)
Module 2: Monday, October 12, 2026 (2 - 4 p.m. ET, Virtual):
Managing
People, Projects, and Priorities
Leading a communications team means making difficult decisions about
competing priorities, limited capacity, and constant interruptions. This module explores practical systems for aligning work with organizational priorities, managing requests, and creating workflows
that help teams stay focused without sacrificing quality. Participants will examine real-world leadership practices that improve visibility, strengthen accountability, and help teams accomplish the
right work, not simply more work.
Guest
Facilitator: TBD
Module 3: Monday, October 19, 2026 (2 - 4 p.m. ET, Virtual): Building a Strong and Sustainable Team
Exceptional communications leaders influence far more than the work of
their own department. In this culminating module, participants will explore how to build credibility with executive leadership, serve as trusted advisors during complex decisions, and elevate
communications as a strategic function across the organization. The session focuses on increasing influence, strengthening leadership relationships, and positioning communication as an essential part
of organizational success.
Guest
Facilitator: Christopher Villarreal, Ed.D. | Director of Communications, Papillion La Vista Community Schools (Neb.)
Module 4: Monday, November 9, 2026 (2 - 4 p.m.
ET, Virtual): From
Communication Leader to Strategic Advisor
Exceptional communications leaders shape more than messaging, they
help shape organizational decisions. In this culminating module, participants will explore how to build credibility with executive leadership, influence strategic conversations, and position
communications as an essential leadership function. Drawing on the leadership, operational, and team development strategies explored throughout the series, participants will leave prepared to lead
with greater confidence and organizational impact.
Guest
Facilitator: Chad Oliver | Chief Communications Officer, Collier County Public Schools (Fla.)
Full
program registrants will receive calendar invites for each module after registration.
Pricing
-
Full
program: $599 Members, $799 Non-Members
Single
modules: $199 Members, $249 Non-Members