Middle School Student
Leadership Conference
Lead. Now.
From Ripples to Waves.
Great leaders don't wait for the perfect moment - they create it.
At the NELMS Student Leadership Conference, middle school student leadership teams will discover how small, intentional actions can grow into meaningful change for their schools and communities. Through an engaging blend of keynote experiences, interactive workshops, and collaborative activities, students will develop the confidence, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills needed to become leaders who make a difference TODAY.
Built specifically for middle school leadership teams, this conference follows a powerful progression: students will learn to lead themselves, lead others, lead together, lead their school, and ultimately lead their community. Along the way, they'll explore how everyday acts of leadership create ripples that can grow into waves of positive change.
Most importantly, teams won't leave with inspiration alone. They'll return to school with a shared vision, practical leadership skills, and a customized action plan they can implement throughout the school year. Whether their goal is to strengthen school culture, increase student engagement, expand service opportunities, or launch new initiatives, each team will leave prepared to turn ideas into action and create a lasting impact in their school community.
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.
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
About the Facilitators
Dr. Timothy Allen -
Dr. Timothy Allen is an associate professor of education at American International College in Springfield, MA. Previously, he spent 22 years in public schools, including 12 years as a middle school principal. He taught in Boston, the Bronx, and Springfield, MA. He is the host of the Teachers’ Cup of Coffee podcast, delivers keynotes to schools and districts, and serves as the assistant executive director of the New England League of Middle Schools. He is also a longtime high school and AAU basketball coach and a founding member of 16 Lyrics, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting anti-racism and equity.
You can follow his work and schedule keynotes and workshops at www.teacherscupofcoffee.com.
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.