May 2025: School Administrator

May 2025 cover, illustration of two heads one with cloudy black brain and one with sunny blue brain
This issue dives into how school districts can create safe and supportive school environments for their staff and students.

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Staff

Editor's Note
Joy in a World Needing It

Is it possible in this tumultuous moment to infuse joy into the work of education in elementary and secondary schools? Given the raucous news of recent months, it鈥檚 hard to think this would be feasible.

Avis Williams, author of 鈥淏ringing Joy Back to Educators鈥 Workplace," believes it isn鈥檛 just an option but essential in challenging times. It鈥檚 about intentionally creating spaces where students, educators and communities can perform well despite the obstacles.

Leading with joy, Williams told me recently, 鈥渇uels gratitude, fosters deeper engagement and helps us navigate the toughest moments with purpose and hope. We don鈥檛 have to wait for ideal conditions to prioritize well-being, celebrate small wins and center relationships.鈥 In fact, when the landscape is most rocky, 鈥渏oy becomes a revolutionary act,鈥 she adds, sustaining educators, inspiring students and building stronger school communities.

Sharing joy, says Williams, who spent 7陆 years in the superintendency, starts with 鈥渁uthentic leadership, wellness-centered policies and a culture where everyone feels seen, valued and empowered to succeed. That鈥檚 how we shift the narrative, one joyful, intentional action at a time.鈥

Jay P. Goldman

Editor, School Administrator
 703-875-0745
 jgoldman@aasa.org
 

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