My First AASPA Conference: A Memorable Experience in Seattle, WA

My First AASPA Conference: A Memorable Experience in Seattle, WA

Attending the AASPA (American Association of School Personnel Administrators) Conference for the first time in Seattle, WA, was an experience I’ll never forget. From the moment I arrived in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city to the final session, every part of the conference was a chance to learn, connect, and grow as a professional in school personnel administration. Here's a recap of my time there and what made it so special.

The Excitement of Seattle

Seattle itself set the perfect backdrop for the conference. Known for its iconic Space Needle, waterfront views, and thriving culture, the city was an exciting place to kick off the event. Whether you were grabbing a coffee at the original Starbucks, taking in the scenic views from the Pike Place Market, or strolling through the diverse neighborhoods, there was always something to explore outside of the conference hours.

The conference venue was conveniently located with easy access to Seattle's vibrant downtown area, making it simple to unwind after a long day of sessions. It’s safe to say the atmosphere of the city matched the energy of the event—vibrant, dynamic, and full of opportunities.  Although I did not stay at the host hotel, The Westin I did stay three blocks away at The Charter Hotel Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton.   It was beautiful and I had breathtaking views of the water.   Pike Place was only a block away!!!

The Sessions: A Wealth of Knowledge

As a first-time attendee, I was thrilled with the wide range of sessions offered. From strategic planning in human resources to navigating the complexities of employee relations in the school  system, the topics were as diverse as the attendees themselves. Each session was an opportunity to deepen my understanding of school personnel management, but also to learn practical tips and strategies that I could implement in my own work.

What stood out to me the most was the emphasis on innovation (AI) and adaptability in school administration. In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the need for school systems to be flexible and forward-thinking is more important than ever. Whether it was learning about new technology tools for recruitment or strategies for improving teacher retention, the sessions felt fresh, timely, and directly relevant to the challenges we face today.

Networking and Connecting with Peers

One of the biggest benefits of attending any conference is the opportunity to network, and the AASPA Conference did not disappoint. I had the chance to connect with fellow school personnel administrators from across the country that I may have known previously, exchanging ideas and best practices. Whether during the first time attendee reception, welcome reception, breakout sessions, casual lunches, or the evening receptions, there was always someone to talk to who shared a similar passion for education and school administration.

I found the environment to be incredibly welcoming for first-time attendees. There were plenty of opportunities to meet people and build relationships, whether it was through formal group discussions or impromptu conversations in the hallways. Some of these new connections led to meaningful collaborations that I’m excited to pursue in the future.

Workshops and Hands-On Learning

In addition to the traditional sessions, the conference also offered a variety of hands-on workshops. These were especially valuable for diving deeper into specific topics, such as AI, creating effective employee wellness programs, navigating legal issues in education law, and leveraging data for better decision-making.

I particularly enjoyed the interactive workshops, where I had the chance to roll up my sleeves and brainstorm solutions with other attendees. These sessions were a great way to think outside the box and explore new approaches to the everyday challenges we face in the field.

A Focus on Well-Being

As much as the conference was about professional growth, it also emphasized the importance of well-being for school administrators. The stress that comes with managing human resources in education is real, and several sessions were devoted to strategies for self-care, stress management, and fostering a supportive work environment for staff.

It was a refreshing reminder that we can't pour from an empty cup, and that supporting the well-being of school personnel is just as important as supporting students. It’s something I’ll definitely keep in mind as I continue my work in the field.

Final Thoughts

My first AASPA Conference in Seattle was an unforgettable experience. From the inspiring speakers to the wealth of knowledge shared in every session, I left feeling motivated and equipped with new ideas to implement in my own role. The connections I made and the lessons I learned will stay with me as I continue to grow in my career as a school personnel administrator.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference in Nashville “Tuning Into Talent”, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the field. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pro, the AASPA Conference is an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the work we do to support educators and students alike.  GO AASPA!

Libra Burton (formerly Libra Murphy) is a blessed wife of 16 years, and a blessed mother of an intelligent and kind Princess who is a sophomore in high school.  Libra is formerly from the state of Maryland, and has been in Georgia for over 30 years.  She went to college at Morris Brown College (HBCU) and graduated in May 1995.  She has been in the educational arena for almost 30 years (Nov. 21st, 1994).  Libra is into her 16th year with Fulton County Schools and worked in another school district for 14 years. Libra is one of the Human Resources Coordinator in Recruitment, Retention, & Strategy for Fulton County Schools.  Libra is also the HR Coordinator of Teacher Selection. Para to Teacher, and FastTrack Hiring. Prior to the role of a Coordinator, she was the Talented & Gifted Eligibility and Testing Specialist for the entire Fulton County Schools; a position that is still dear to her heart.  Libra is a member of 1st Black Greek Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since April 28th, 1991 and Gamma Gamma Chapter at Morris Brown College.  She always says her full time job is being a wife and a mother; her part time job is working for Fulton County Schools.