Leading Together: Practical Ways Communicators Can Help Principals Build Trust and Drive Vision
Date: 7/21/2026
Time: 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Room: Grand Ballroom C (Floor 1)
Skill Session - Live lecture, panel discussion or interactive session with time for Q&A. 60-minutes.
LEADERSHIP–Leadership, strategic counseling, management, mentorship in communications and public schools
Session Description
Principals are often asked to carry district messages forward while also honoring the unique culture of their schools. When district communications teams and principals work in true partnership, messaging becomes clearer, trust grows, and initiatives gain momentum.
In this session, a district communications director and two elementary principals from Franklin Special District will share concrete examples of how intentional communication support helps principals lead through change, manage sensitive situations, and align school-level messaging with district priorities. Attendees will explore how transparency, consistency, and listening create a shared voice—while still allowing schools to communicate authentically with their communities.
Presenter(s)
Amy Patton
Principal, Liberty Elementary School
Franklin Special School District (TN)
With over 22 years of dedicated experience in education, Amy has passionately served as an elementary principal, fostering an environment of learning and growth.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing student achievement, promoting innovative teaching practices, and building strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
Amy believes in creating a supportive and inclusive school culture that empowers both students and educators. She is skilled in leading a Title I school, staff professional development, and community engagement, always striving to provide the best
educational experiences for every child.
In her role, Amy collaborates with teachers and staff to implement effective strategies that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that every student can succeed. She is dedicated to continuous improvement and is always looking for ways to enhance the school environment and enrich the learning experience. LinkedIn Profile
Alisha Erickson Ed.D.
Principal, Poplar Grove School
Franklin Special School District
Dr. Alisha Erickson is an experienced educational leader serving as Principal of Poplar Grove School within Franklin Special District, where she oversees the unified PreK–8 campus and guides its academic vision and culture. With over two decades in public education and more than a decade of school leadership, Dr. Erickson is known for building strong relationships, fostering collaborative learning environments, and driving continuous improvement in instructional practices. She previously served as principal of Poplar Grove Elementary and began her district career as an assistant principal, bringing deep expertise in data-driven decision-making, strategic resource allocation, and professional learning communities. Under her leadership, Poplar Grove achieved sustained “A” ratings and was recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community School. Dr. Erickson’s commitment to excellence and community partnership has also earned her recognition as a Tennessee Principal of the Year Finalist. She holds a Doctor of Education in Leading Organizations and Strategic Change along with advanced degrees in educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. LinkedIn Profile
Susannah Gentry
Communications Specialist
Franklin Special School District
Susannah Gentry is the Communications Specialist for Franklin Special District, where she leads strategic communication efforts that elevate district-wide branding, strengthen engagement with families and staff, and support schools in telling their unique stories. In her role, Susannah manages the district’s website and mass notification systems, oversees social media and public messaging, and partners with school leaders to coordinate effective internal and external communication. She has been instrumental in implementing new communication platforms and refining district branding across campuses, contributing to cohesive messaging and modernized visual identity. Under her guidance, the FSD Communications Office earned a National School Public Relations Association Golden Achievement Award for its comprehensive branding initiative tied to the district’s strategic plan.
Susannah is active in professional networks, including NSPRA, where she shares best practices and stays abreast of trends in school public relations. Her work emphasizes transparency, consistency, and intentional listening to meet the communication needs of diverse audiences. LinkedIn Profile
Leading Together: Practical Ways Communicators Can Help Principals Build Trust and Drive Vision
Category
Skill Session - Live lecture, panel discussion or interactive session with time for Q&A. 60-minutes.