Whether you’re a principal, admin, or district leader, you’ll walk away with practical tools to engage families, build trust, and create a connected school community.
You’ll learn:
- How consistent communication builds trust
- How transparency and engagement strengthen school climate
- How to implement practical templates and strategies right now

Meet the Speakers
Dr. Kara Stern
Dr. Kara Stern has seen school from just about every angle: high school English teacher, middle school principal, fellowship director for math and science teachers across New York City, and head of school at a rural N-12 school. That breadth is what she brings to her work at Smore, where she writes, speaks, and challenges educators to build the kinds of school communities where every student thrives. She holds a Master’s in Education Leadership from Teachers College and a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from NYU.
David Leshaw
David began his career working as an Admissions Director at a high school in New York City, later becoming a Director of Growth Marketing at Smore and SchoolStatus, where he is responsible for coordinating the multi-channel marketing efforts for the beloved Smore brand.