A Toolkit for New School Leaders

MSAA Professional Development Workshop for Principals, Assistant Principals, Aspiring Administrators, and New Administrators 

A Toolkit for New School Leaders

This presentation is designed for a variety of educational leaders: current principals and assistant principals new to administration, teachers exploring future careers in school leadership, and experienced leaders seeking fresh ideas. Building on successful presentations delivered at the MSAA Summer Institute, NELMS, and NEASC conferences, this session offers practical tips and best practices to help principals and assistant principals thrive, particularly in their early years. Participants will gain valuable insights into proven strategies for fostering a positive school culture, effective family communication, educator evaluation, comprehensive student support, and distributed/instructional leadership. The session will also focus on how best to support teachers in the areas of curriculum, assessment, and data-driven instruction.

Participants will:

·         Gain new ideas from the interactive discussions and a toolkit for their school

When: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenters: Dr. William V. Whalen III, Seekonk High School

 Alexis A. Bouchard, Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Leadership and Administration

Fees: Member $ 150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net 

Dr. William V. Whalen III | Seekonk High School
Alexis A. Bouchard | Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School

Dr. William Whalen has served as Principal of Seekonk High School for the past six years, following a seven-year tenure as Principal of Dr. Kevin Hurley Middle School.  

Ms. Alexis Bouchard has been Principal of Dr. Kevin Hurley Middle School for the past six years. Together, Dr. Whalen and Ms. Bouchard have a proven track record of fostering strong school climates and cultivating a culture of distributed leadership that empowers teachers.