Building Confident, Capable School Communicators
If you’re in your first five years of a school communication role,
this track is a must. Learn what it takes to thrive in the role, grow your skills with confidence and build connections that will support you every step of the way.
"The New Professionals Track provided me with a valuable foundation in school public
relations, helping me develop the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed in my career and focus my work. The learning modules allowed me to engage with experienced professionals and collaborate on
projects. I'm grateful to have participated in the program and highly recommend it to others."
- Adelle Wellens, Communications Officer, Duluth (Minn.) Public Schools
Use the
green registration
button above to
register.
Track Overview
The New Professionals track of NSPRA Academy is an eight-month learning experience designed
specifically for school communicators in the first five years of a school communications role. Dive deeper into the fundamentals of school
communication. From September to May, you'll meet monthly in a virtual setting with a peer cohort to build a strong foundation through peer-led modules, real-world scenarios and professional
connections. Each month, participants will explore a core topic essential to school communication such
as:
- Demonstrating the measurable results of your position that
matter to leadership
- Building partnerships that make your role easier and your
impact greater
- Better understanding media needs—whether you’re talking with
reporters or creating the materials that shape the story
- Exploring strategic planning in ways that can be applied right
away
Sessions are led by experienced facilitators
and guest speaker experts who bring practical insights and proven strategies to the virtual classroom. Along the way, participants will build a library of tools and templates, gain skills in crisis
planning and daily communications and begin to shape a long-term professional development plan. With the support of their facilitator and fellow cohort members, they’ll also forge connections that
can guide and inspire their growth beyond the program.
The NSPRA New Professionals Academy equips early-career communicators with the clarity, resources and relationships needed to thrive in today’s dynamic education
environment.
Classes are held virtually once a month on Wednesdays for two hours from 2 - 4 p.m. EST.
Enrollees will receive a separate invitation with calendar invites and Zoom links. All enrollees are invited to monthly office hours with the Academy
facilitator.
Program Dates and Topics
Can't attend a module live? All modules will be recorded and available for
participants to catch up on-demand for a flexible learning experience.
- Module 1 (Sep. 16): Through the Superintendent's Eyes:
Leadership, Strategy and Board Foundations
- Module 2 (Oct. 14): The 4 Rs: Research, Reference, Review and Relationships - Building Your Foundation
- Module 3 (Nov. 18): Being Strategic With Communication Plans
- Module 4 (Jan. 13): Internal Communications:
Cultivating Trust and Keeping Staff Informed
- Module 5 (Feb. 17): Branding, Marketing and Digital Presence
- Module 6 (March 17): Media Relations and Crisis
Preparedness
- Module 7 (April 14): Community Partnerships and Engagement
- Module 8 (May 12): Your Communication Toolkit: Professional Growth and Impact Measurement
View full session descriptions and learning objectives.
Pricing and Registration
NSPRA Academy offers flexible purchasing options! Enroll in the full
course for comprehensive development, or choose individual modules or a curated bundle of modules tailored to your needs.
- Full Track
Enrollment (Use the green registration button above to register)
- $1,500 for NSPRA Members
- $2,000 for Non-Members
- In-Depth
Learning Bundle - 4 modules of your choosing (Register for this bundle)
- $850 for NSPRA Members
- $1,200 for Non-Members
- Knowledge Builder Bundle - 3 modules of your choosing
(Register for this bundle)
- $700 for NSPRA Members
- $975 for Non-Members
- Core Essentials Bundle - 2 modules of your choosing
(Register for this bundle)
- $500 for NSPRA Members
- $700 for Non-Members
- Single Module Registration (Register for individual modules)
- $299 for NSPRA Members
- $425 for Non-Members
BONUS learning opportunity included in registration cost: All full track participants will be
invited to attend NSPRA Academy Day just ahead of the NSPRA 2027 National Seminar for a full day of extended learning.
Saturday, July 10, 2027
Indianapolis,
Indiana
Further details to be announced at a later date.