Italian school leaders attended the 17th Triennial Convention of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) in Las Vegas, an event that brought together education professionals from across the United States. The convention provided a close look at the challenges and values facing those who lead public schools in America.
The AFSA represents active and retired school leaders and supervisors throughout U.S. public education, with the exception of superintendents. It is affiliated with the AFL-CIO and aims to promote quality public education, defend the rights of school leaders, support collective bargaining, and ensure equitable educational opportunities for all.
During the convention, attendees learned about AFSA’s governance structure, which includes local unions, regional councils, and a national governing body called the General Executive Board. The triennial convention is where national officers are elected, constitutional amendments are debated, and resolutions are adopted to set the union’s direction for the next three years.
A key theme was that American public schools are facing significant pressures such as political interference, funding cuts, increased violence, and social inequality. In response to these issues, AFSA emphasized the importance of school leaders as defenders of student safety and well-being.
Several resolutions were adopted at the convention:
– Support for mental health resources for principals through professional development and psychological support.
– Targeted protections for school staff against rising threats and violence.
– Advocacy for weapon-free schools by supporting a national ban on firearms in educational settings except for military and public safety personnel.
– Commitment to inclusivity by dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring accessibility for students and educators with disabilities.
– Support for strong healthcare policies to protect retired school leaders.
– Reaffirmation of human rights protection within schools for migrants, refugees, and DACA recipients.
– Promotion of democratic civic education at all grade levels.
– Opposition to efforts that would reduce or eliminate federal funding for public education.
– Support for ethical integration of artificial intelligence in schools while protecting student data.
These resolutions form AFSA’s agenda moving forward. The organization positions public education as a common good that requires visionary leadership.
The convention also featured stories from American principals about their experiences during times of crisis. James Allrich shared his journey overcoming barriers attributed to racial bias before becoming Principal of the Year in Maryland in 2024. Mark Erlenwein discussed integrating arts into STEM disciplines at Staten Island Technical High School. Neal Reich described how Abraham Lincoln High School in New York emphasizes social-emotional learning alongside advanced facilities.
The Italian delegates noted similarities between AFSA’s vision and Italy’s Senza Zaino movement—both focusing on supportive leadership models, growth-oriented assessment practices, and fostering inclusive educational communities.
A transition in AFSA’s national leadership took place during the event as Mark Cannizzaro succeeded Leonard Pugliese. According to attendees, “What moved us most was the genuine hospitality and collegial spirit extended by our American colleagues. We were welcomed warmly and sincerely—recognized as fellow professionals, united by common ideals of social justice, educational dignity, and a commitment to public schooling as a cornerstone of democracy.”
Reflecting on their experience at the convention: “We came to understand that the power of educational leadership lies not only in strategy or structure but in human connection—how people meet, support, and recognize one another. It is from this soil that transformative leadership grows.”
The event underscored a shared belief among participants that effective educational leadership must balance rules with relationships while remaining committed to ongoing learning.
