Join WestEd at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education, hosted by the National Rural Education Association, on October 13–15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Be sure to add WestEd’s presentation to your conference calendar and connect with our team to learn more about our research, professional learning, and resources that strengthen leadership development.
WestEd Presentation
Monday, October 13
“Growing Our Own: Principals’ Roles and Responsibilities in Regional Policymaking”
Developing strong leadership talent is a critical and ongoing challenge—especially in rural school systems where attracting, supporting, and retaining principals, assistant principals, teachers, and paraprofessionals requires intentional, systemic strategies. Too often, principals are left out of key policy and practice conversations around leadership pipelines.
The Bridge District Leadership Network (BDLN), featured in Principal magazine, brings together partners from 20 rural and suburban districts to change that. By centering the voices of principals, BDLN has uncovered powerful ways they are shaping the future of school leadership—mentoring aspiring leaders, teaching preparation courses, and helping design more effective pipeline policies.
This session explores what happens when principals lead the effort to grow and sustain leadership in their schools and communities.
Time: 3:15–4 p.m.
Presenter: Matthew Clifford (WestEd)
Make this WestEd presentation a part of your National Forum to Advance Rural Education experience!