“Grow. Lead. Inspire.” is the theme of this year’s NELMS Student Leadership Conference—a day designed to help young leaders recognize their potential, build confidence, and take meaningful action in their schools and communities. Through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and inspiring speakers, students will explore what it means to grow as individuals, lead with purpose, and inspire others through their words and actions. Whether they’re new to leadership or already making a difference, this conference will empower students to see themselves as leaders—starting NOW!

 

Bring a team(s) up to 5 middle school students and an advisor.

* Additional middle school students and advisors can be added; please contact NELMS for more information and pricing.

 

What can participants expect?

• To participate in a highly engaging, interactive, and student-centered day of leadership work

• To learn real examples of adolescents making positive and lasting change in their schools

• To set goals, be inspired to take action, and learn how to make and spread healthy choices

• To learn how to raise marginalized voices amongst their student population

• To practice low-stakes public speaking

• To be given ideas and tools for hosting a student leadership event at your school 

• To bring home enactable plans for next steps in school leadership

 

Schedule:

8:30 am - Registration Opens

9:00 am - Register (table riddles & challenges)
9:30 am - Kick-off!
9:45 am - Activities
12:00 pm - Lunch, activity, and outdoor time

          (Lunch is on your own-either bring your lunch or eat at the dining center)

1:00 pm - Activities

2:00 pm - Commitments & Closing remarks 

2:30 pm - Depart

 

Invest in a healthy school climate and culture by investing in the development of student leaders!

 

Grow. Lead. Inspire.

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Facilitators: Timothy Allen and Peter Gillen

 

Facilitator Bios:

Timothy Allen, Ed.D., spent 17 years as a middle school administrator, including 12 years as a principal.  He is currently a professor of education at American International College and the Assistant Executive Director of the New England League of Middle Schools.  He hosts a teacher podcast, coaches high school basketball, helped create a non-profit focused on growing representation in literature at schools, and works with students and staff in multiple middle schools through the Academic Leadership Association.

 

Peter Gillen, Ed.D., is in his 22nd year as an Educator. The 2019 Massachusetts State Principal of the Year, Dr. Gillen is in his 10th year as the Principal of West Springfield (MA) Middle School, where he served as a Vice Principal for six years prior. He taught High School and Middle School English in West Springfield and Springfield, MA. He’s been named as a ‘40 Under 40’ Award winner by both BusinessWest Magazine and Springfield College, his Alma Mater. He served as the Head Cross Country and Track Coach at West Springfield High School and currently coaches his daughters’ youth basketball teams. He is currently the Board Chair for the New England League of Middle Schools.