Earlier this month, school public relations (PR) professionals traded snowy winters for Arizona sun at the 2025 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) President’s Summit in Phoenix. Hosted in the hometown of NSPRA President Heidi Vega, APR—the first Latina to lead the organization—welcomed state chapter presidents, president-elects, and executive directors. For two days attendees took part in action-packed days of learning, networking, and strategic planning. With a clear focus on tackling today’s school PR challenges, leaders worked to build stronger, more connected communities — while also making time for laughs, memories, and a little Arizona fun.
Building Strong School PR Leadership
The summit opened with a motivational keynote by 2024 School Communicator of the Year, Dirk Tedmon, APR. His talk, “Your Story Is Your Superpower,” showed how authentic storytelling transforms challenges into opportunities. Drawing from his work at Eden Prairie Schools and the Good Trouble PR initiative, he shared strategies for promoting equity and creating meaningful change.
Sessions focused on chapter leadership, professional development, and forward-thinking communication. Idea Spark Sessions fostered lively discussions on planning, member engagement, and AI marketing innovations. A panel on conference planning, along with sessions on awards programs and equity efforts, gave leaders practical tools to support their members.
2024 School Communicator of the Year, Dirk Tedmon, APR, gives his keynote speech at the 2025 NSPRA Presidents Summit.
As education remains central to national debates, school communicators play a vital role. Events like the NSPRA President’s Summit equip chapter leaders with tools, knowledge, and connections to support their members. By fostering collaboration and strategic thinking, NSPRA continues to strengthen the community of school communicators, helping them face the unique challenges ahead with confidence and integrity.
Better Together
Beyond learning, the summit provided some much-needed opportunities for connection and fun. School PR is a high-pressure, fast-paced field, with many professionals working in small or even one-person teams. Events hosted by NSPRA and its chapters aren’t just about professional development; they’re a chance for School PR professionals to spend time with people who truly understand the unique challenges of the job.
President Heidi Vega kept energy high with a game, “What Song Do You Connect With?” Leading to plenty of laughs as attendees bonded over shared favorites (and some questionable music choices). Even minor inconveniences, like navigating an under-construction hotel, became part of the experience, adding to the sense of resilience and palpable humor consistent within the School PR community.
Attendees had the chance to unwind on a scenic sunset hike at Papago Park, co-hosted by Class Intercom and Finalsite. Against stunning desert skies, conversations flowed easily—from swapping stories to laughing about Phoenix’s self-driving Waymos. It was a reminder that some of the most valuable takeaways don’t always come from structured sessions but from candid moments with peers.
“Every time I attend the Presidents Summit, it reminds me how inspiring the NSPRA community is,” said Class Intercom President Dr. Jill Johnson. “The leaders here are incredibly experienced—they’ve seen the full range of challenges School PR can throw at you, yet they’re all so passionate about serving their communities. The support and collaboration here are unmatched, and you walk away feeling motivated.”
Looking Ahead
Next year’s summit will be hosted by NSPRA President-Elect Erica Chandler, APR, of Missouri, and we’re eagerly awaiting the announcement of where we’ll be reunited with this inspiring group of leaders.
In the meantime, we’ll be seeing more of our school PR friends at chapter events including TSPRA, CalSPRA, IndSPRA, and the NSPRA National Seminar this summer in Washington, D.C. As always, we’ll continue supporting NSPRA members through our mission of empowering schools to share their stories and strengthen relationships with their communities. Thank you to NSPRA for hosting another incredible event—we look forward to what’s ahead!
