SamTastic Weekly Tip: 9/8/25 - Use the Research on Happiness

This week’s tip: Use the Research on Happiness

SAM teams know the importance of creating a positive, joyful school culture.  That’s why the first question a SAM asks after a walkthrough is:

“Who impressed you?  A teacher?  A student? Can I schedule a celebratory feedback conversation?”

Harvard has an ongoing study on happiness, now in its 80^th year.  Here’s what the study has found to date:

Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.  Those ties protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes. 

The study provides a map for creating the school culture SAM teams desire:

Invest in relationships:

• Actively work to maintain and improve connections with others. 

Prioritize "people time" over screen time:

• Make conscious efforts to spend time with others rather than constantly engaging with devices. 

Strengthen connections:

• Work to improve existing relationships. 

Contribute to something larger:

• People who find a sense of purpose report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. 

Use this link to access a TED Talk by the study’s current director:  http://bit.ly/46ot909

Note: 45% of the seats have been taken for the 19^th Annual National SAM Conference.  Use this  link to register:  https://registration.samprocess.com/  You will also find a registration link at www.SamProcess.com

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To access the 2025 SAM Team Performance Report:   http://bit.ly/44MbQ8t

To access the Executive Summary, 2025 SAM Team Performance Assessment:  https://bit.ly/4fh2V2k 

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19^th Annual National SAM Conference

Registration link:  https://registration.samprocess.com/ 

The annual National SAM Conference is a time of renewal, learning, reflection, celebration and fun.  It is unlike any other national conference. It is designed to make you feel like the important person you are.  Your dedication to doing the best for students, staff and community is impressive and honorable. 

Why do SAM teams want to come back every year?  What do they take home?

✅ Proven Strategies – Learn how school leaders across the country are using SAM practices to maximize instructional leadership time.

✅ Practical Tools – Get hands-on with TimeTrack® and other resources that help principals shift from management to leadership.

✅ National Network – Connect with hundreds of principals and SAM teams who share your challenges and successes.

✅ Expert Voices – Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers and thought leaders in education.

✅ Inspiration & Renewal – Leave recharged, with new ideas and a clear plan for impact back at your school.

 A few things to consider when planning to attend:

Ø The conference is January 15-18. 2026.

Ø To be eligible to attend, you must be a SAM team member doing the process with efficacy, NSIP staff, Board member or presenter.

Ø The conference will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort

Keynote Speakers

·      Will Parker, Principals Matter: Living your Best Life as an Educator

·      Will Bowen, You Can’t Complain Your Way to Success

·      Tracie Swilley, The PrinciPAL Effect: Setting the Vibe, Energy, and Excellence Every Day

·      John Antonetti, Personal Response: Am I safe to share my thinking?

·      William Martinez, Signing the Song: The Power of Belonging

Pre-Conference All-Day Workshop Presenters

·      Jim Masters, Beyond Why and What – Getting to How School Leaders Make a Difference

·      Ken Williams, Better Teachers, Better Results: Where Students Learn Because Of US

·      Willow Sweeney, Top 20 Moves for Building Effective Staff and Student Relationships

·      Executive Speaking Coaching Seminar, New York Speech Coaching