Join MAESP and Good Dads for a special 30-minute webinar introducing a program designed to help schools engage fathers and positive male role models in students’ lives. Presented by Dr. Mike Dawson, retired school leader and Good Dads team member, and Dr. Michelle Collins, Missouri Distinguished Principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary in Branson, this session highlights how schools can partner with Good Dads to build stronger families and communities.
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 21 | 9:30 AM️Format: 30-40 Minute Online Webinar Cost: Included as MAESP member benefit Audience: Principals, assistant principals, counselors, and family engagement teams
You’ll learn:
St. Louis Suburban Region January 27, 2026Fairway Elementary 480 Old Fairway Dr. Wildwood, MO 63040
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM * Lunch Provided Facilitators: Lorinda Krey - Principal, Fairway Elementary, Rockwood R-VI Shawn Riley - Principal, Wild Horse Elementary, Rockwood R-VI Aaron Burd - Principal, Valley Park Elementary, Valley Park
Cost: $100 for MAESP members / $129 for non-members
Do you have a dynamic staff member you are encouraging to become a principal? This workshop may be just what you need to launch them on that journey!
The Aspiring Leaders Workshop is for individuals interested in learning more about becoming a school principal. The primary purpose is to assist in the identification and encouragement of talented individuals to become school administrators and provide aspiring principals with an awareness of the comprehensive dimensions and unique characteristics of the job. Seminar participants will have the opportunity to explore the peaks and valleys of day-to-day life as a principal, examine and affirm their own professional talents and interests, and develop a vision for their professional career planning. Small group interaction also provides an opportunity to explore actual "on-the-job" situations and problems and review strategies for handling those that are difficult. The day-long seminar provides a chance for significant participant involvement under the direction of current principals who are also dynamic facilitators.
You will find The Aspiring Leaders Workshop well worth your time and effort if you have an interest in learning more about the life of a school principal and career opportunities in educational administration.
Overview of the principal responsibilities with Q & A time.
HR issues to consider when working with students/staff/parents.
Perspectives of rural and suburban patrons/teachers/students.
Leadership standards and building a personal vision.
The change process.
The importance of data and how to use it.
Interviewing tips.
Cancellation Policy: Due to the nature of the event, no refunds will be given. Should circumstances prevent you from participating, a substitution may be allowed by calling the MAESP office.
Event Overview
School leaders face tough conversations every day—parent meetings, staff concerns, student issues, and high-stakes decisions. This workshop reframes those moments as opportunities to build trust, strengthen relationships, and move toward shared success. Dr. Kevin Daniel guides participants through practical tools that support calm, confident, and productive dialogue.
What You Will Learn
Who Should Attend
Principals, assistant principals, central office leaders, aspiring leaders, and anyone responsible for leading adults or teams.
Dr. Kevin Daniel retired from the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District after serving 31 years in Missouri public education. Kevin grew up in northwest Missouri in poverty not having indoor plumbing in his boyhood home until he was 10 years old. Thanks to great teachers, educators, mentors, a supportive family network, some grit and resilience – Kevin became an educator. He truly has lived the American dream and a blessed life.
Kevin retired from public education in July 2021. Over the course of his 31 year career he served as middle school and high school teacher, coach, youth mentor, middle school and high school principal, director, executive director, assistant and associate superintendent of instruction and academic services.
During Kevin’s 31 years in education he worked in four districts (Pattonsburg, Lathrop, Raymore-Peculiar and Lee’s Summit) with enrollments ranging from 250 to 18,000 students. Kevin knows there are great staff members, teachers, leaders and community members in all districts, regardless of size. He is also an ordained minister, certified executive and life coach and now works with public and private sector organizations in the development of staff, strategic planning, leadership development, culture and climate improvement, curriculum development and customer service.
Since retiring in July 2021, KD (as his friends call him) has been leading FiredUP Consulting Group as his full-time profession, 20 year vision and passion. He is the founder (2014), president and senior consultant for FiredUP, after consulting for nearly 20 years as a sole proprietor. Over the last 25 years he has inspired and collaborated with thousands of educators to be their best and to live a great personal and professional legacy.
The MAESP Leadership Conference will be held February 28 - March 3, 2026 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, MO. This conference typically brings together over 500 principals, superintendents, college professors and Missouri State Department of Education representatives from around the state.
Exhibit spaces will first be assigned to MAESP sponsors and business associate members. Other assignments will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in becoming an MAESP sponsor or business associate member, please contact the MAESP office at 573-638-2460 or maesp@maesp.com.
Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals 3550 Amazonas Drive Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: 573-638-2460Fax: 573-556-6270maesp@maesp.com
