In looking ahead, we wanted to share that the USA-Kansas office will be closed Friday, December 20th through Wednesday, January 1st.

The Call for Proposals is now open for the 54th Annual Uniting Leaders Conference. The theme for this year's conference is AI: Authentic Influence. You can submit your proposal for one of our five learning clusters using the QR code. We can't wait to see you there!

Our Goddard group of #elevateleadership 2 is off and running today as they reflect on their learning and action since our last meeting. Throughout the day, leaders will unpack relationships, culture, and the importance of communication. #edleadershipmatters

In June 2023, we began working with Great Bend USD 428 providing Customized PD to support them in building capacity for school improvement. We are excited to share this video feature about their work to lead change! If you are interested in bringing customized PD to your district, reach out at usaoffice@usakansas.org. Watch the feature here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBB5G08ve-Q
We are in Chanute and Dodge City today working with leaders in Elevate Leadership 2. Today, participants are diving into the topic of relationships learning how they can build trust, support, and communication through intentional action! #elevateleadership #edleadershipmatters

Our Kansas City group of Elevate Leadership 3 folks is meeting today in Lenexa. Today, leaders are focusing on cultivating collaborative cultures and analyzing learning from their last session on building direction. #edleadershipmatters #elevateleadership

Our Board of Directors is meeting today at our offices in Topeka. The board is comprised of members from each of the organizations under the USA-Kansas umbrella. We appreciate their leadership and service on this board. #edleadershipmatters

Today, we are in Goddard and Topeka for day 3 of Elevate Leadership 1. These dedicated leaders are spending time collaborating, reflecting, and planning on how they can enhance collective efficacy, trust, and academic emphasis in their buildings! #edleadershipmatters

Teachers in the Western Kansas Leadership Academy met today to learn about What Matters Most, influences on student learning, and more! This program seeks to build leadership capacity through investment in teachers! Thank you @KASBPublicEd and @swplains for your partnership.

Today, leaders in Elevate Leadership 3 analyzed how collaborative cultures impact progress toward achieving building goals! Thanks to Newton Public Schools for being such great hosts. #elevateleadership #edleadershipmatters


We are spending time today with our folks in Elevate Leadership 1 starting with a Brain Smart Start and accountability and reflection. Today, we will also spend time learning about collective efficacy, trust, and asset based thinking! #elevateleadership

Leaders are working hard today in Salina, Chanute, and Garden City! In addition to their work to #elevateleadership, attendees in Salina also heard from Grant Lane with Ameritime who spoke about KPERS. We appreciate the support, sponsorship, and valuable retirement information.

Today, we are in Manhattan for the Kansas Math Summit, a free event brought to Kansas educators by our partners at @ImagineLearning. It is a packed house as teachers and curriculum leaders learn more about high-impact mathematics instruction. #edleadershipmatters

Sarah Perryman is the Impact and Advancement Specialist for USA-Kansas doing program evaluation and marketing. Sarah wrote about how much she enjoys hosting Thanksgiving in our November issue of Under the Umbrella. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Jessica Griffin Serves as the Assistant Executive Director for Professional Learning. This year, she is thankful for the health and well-being of her family. We are so thankful for Jessica's leadership on our team.

Jara Wilson is the newest member of the USA-Kansas team joining us as our Assistant Director of Leadership and Learning in January. We are so glad to have Jara on our team and wish her family the best as they expand in the near future!

Executive Director G.A. Buie is most thankful for his family at home and the family he has in the USA-Kansas staff. G.A. also serves as Executive Director of KSSA. We could not do it without great people! Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.

Jessi Clark, Director of Marketing and Communications, is an integral part of our team! No matter the distance, the USA-Kansas family is united. We are so happy to have you on the team, Jessi!

Wishing you all a fulfilling and memorable Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for the opportunity to serve and work with you.

Cara Ledy, pictured in red, is the Director of Principal Leadership and Executive Director of the @KSPrincipals. Thank you for your leadership, Cara, and wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

