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Writer's pictureShayla Cannady

Answering the Call

Updated: Jul 6

As a dedicated member of the National School Public Relations Association, I offer my candidacy for president-elect. Throughout my career in school public relations, I’ve witnessed firsthand the indispensable role that effective communication plays in nurturing positive relationships, enhancing transparency, and furthering the educational mission, vision and goals of our nation’s public schools.


My desire to serve as president-elect of NSPRA is rooted in a fundamental belief in the transformative power of strategic communication within K-12 systems. I am deeply concerned that, despite the critical importance of public relations and communications, many leaders fail to recognize their value and potential impact. This recurring theme, highlighted during my interactions with education stakeholders, underscores the urgent need for change within our profession.

Throughout the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we, as school public relations professionals, demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students, staff and communities. Yet, our work is far from over. We must seize this momentum to elevate the profession and secure its rightful place at the decision-making table.


My candidacy revolves around several key initiatives:


  • Elevating the Profession: I am committed to advocating for the recognition and appreciation of the vital role that school public relations professionals play in shaping positive perceptions, building trust and fostering community engagement. Through professional development, mentorship programs and advocacy efforts among district and state school leaders, I aim to elevate the stature of our profession and highlight its strategic importance.

  • Collaboration with Adjacent Associations/Organizations: Recognizing the interconnectedness of various education stakeholders, I will prioritize collaboration with adjacent associations and organizations to amplify our collective impact. By forging partnerships and facilitating dialogue, we can address common challenges, exchange best practices and advocate for policies that bolster effective communication in schools.

  • Celebrating Difference: Embracing the diversity within our profession and the communities we serve is essential to fostering equitable and inclusive practices. I am dedicated to promoting representation, celebrating the diverse perspectives and voices within our field and advocating for policies that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within our organization.

  • Expanding the School PR Pipeline: To ensure the continued growth and vitality of our profession, we must invest in developing the next generation of school public relations professionals. By expanding access to training, internships, and career pathways, we can cultivate a diverse talent pipeline that reflects the evolving needs of our schools and communities.


I am inspired by the opportunity to lead NSPRA and champion the interests of school public relations professionals across the nation. I believe in the power of communication to drive positive change, so I am dedicated to advancing our profession, celebrating our successes, and advocating for the recognition and support we deserve.


Together, we will continue to redefine the narrative and shape the future of school public relations.

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