Networking with New Principals

Networking With New Principals

The NCSA has been providing on-going assistance, resources and support to first year principals (K-12) in Nebraska for twenty-eight  years through the Networking With New Principals (NWNP) Program. The objectives of this program are to:

1. Expand knowledge of leadership skills and instructional leadership practices;
2. Promote access to critical information in order to successfully deal with challenging opportunities and responsibilities;
3. Create opportunities to discuss educational issues;
4. Provide on-going support and encouragement;
5. Provide honest and constructive feedback;
6. Facilitate the understanding of how to use data to inform decisions; and 
7. Assist in building professional networks. 

The objectives of this program are met through various activities that include encouragement to attend NCSA Professional Development events, virtual meetings, individual consultations with NWNP Team Leaders, regular email communications, and more.   There are opportunities to visit with NWNP Leadership Team Leaders at Principal Affiliate meetings and NCSA staff attempt to provide many opportunities for new principals to build their professional capacity by attending NCSA  or principal affiliate events. We encourage new principals to participate in professional development and to expand their professional network.  Experience suggests that those new principals that actively participate in the NWNP program have been most successful as first year administrators.

The Networking With New Principals Program is led by a dedicated group of school principals that serve as the “NWNP Leadership Team”. Representing elementary principals are Josie Floyd, Elementary Principal from Sutherland, Jason Calahan, Elementary Principal at Buffalo Hills Elementary in Kearney; Liz Stutzman, K-12 Principal at Friend; Heather Daubert, Middle School Assistant Principal at Beadle Middle School, Millard Public Schools; John Byrn, High School Assistant Principal at North Platte; and Brad Jacobsen, 6-12 Principal at Ashland-Greenwood.  NCSA Associate Executive Director Dr. Dan Ernst serves as the coordinator of the team.

New principals are invited to reach out to any of the NWNP Leadership Team members with questions.  Help us to help you!

NCSA Networking With New Principals Leadership Team

1. Dan Ernst (dan@ncsa.org)
2. Josie Floyd (josie.floyd@spssailors.org)
3. Jason Calahan (jascalahan@kearneycats.com)
4. Liz Stutzman (liz.stutzman@friendschool.org)
5. Heather Daubert (hdaubert@mpsomaha.org)
6. John Byrn (johnbyrn@nppsd.org)
7. Brad Jocobsen (brad.jacobsen@agps.org)

For more information, contact:
Dr. Dan Ernst, NCSA Associate Executive Director
402-476-8055 Or 1-800-793-6272