Leupp Elementary School Principal Ryan Chee represented the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) at the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) Research Science Council. This prestigious event will be held in London, UK from 11-15 November 2024 to bring together educators, researchers and policymakers to enhance education equity and Sustainable Development Goals 4 – All We explored the role of leadership in achieving quality education for people.
Leupp Elementary School, located in Navajo Nation, was one of five schools around the world selected for the UNESCO Global Education Surveillance (GEM) Report Case Study. Chi was the only school leader chosen to present on behalf of a selected school, sharing innovative practices that blend Navajo tradition with modern education.
During his opening remarks, delivered in both English and Navajo, Qi captivated an audience of global policymakers and ministers of education.
“The world is in love with our language and culture,” he said. “It was amazing to see people fascinated by the Navajo tradition and how they are connected to education.”
The meeting’s theme, the success of the school’s leadership for sustainable development, is in close sync with Chee’s work at Leupp Elementary. Many of his students travel remotely every day for hours each day, implementing programs that emphasize academic achievement while honoring Navajo’s identity. Among his initiatives are the No Excuses College Readiness program, which encourages students to pursue higher education, and the Language and Leadership Academy, which promotes cultural conservation along with leadership development.
Chi prioritizes university exposure from an early age and organizes elementary school visits to campuses such as Northern Arizona University (NAU), where he holds a PhD in Educational Leader.
“I want my students to see themselves on these campuses,” Chi said. “They need to understand that higher education is a real possibility for them.”
Leupp Elementary’s achievements have gained national and international recognition. The GEM report highlighted the success in integrating language and culture with academic goals.
“The ISSPP and GEM reports examined the work we are doing,” Chi said. “They have shown that cultural values ​​and academic rigor are well interwoven to achieve great results.”
At the ISSPP conference, Qi took part in several discussions, including a convening of the United Nations, where he addressed the importance of trust in leadership.
“Trust is the foundation of leadership,” he said. “Principals can develop programs tailored to the values ​​and goals of the community to ensure better outcomes for students.”
Chi also highlighted the role of community partnerships in student success. Leupp Elementary works with Winslow Indian Health Care Center, Navajo Nation, and NAU to provide extracurricular and cultural learning experiences. Funded by tax credit donations, including Field Trips and the Navajo Leadership Academy, programs further strengthen students’ education.
“These resources give students the opportunity to learn and grow, reflecting who they are,” Chi said.
Chee’s experience with the ISSPP has strengthened the broader impact of strong school leadership.
“The main purpose of this event was to highlight how important leadership is to a successful school,” he said. “It’s not just about managing the school, it’s about inspiring students, empowering teachers and fostering education-focused communities.”
The meeting ended with Chi, who conveyed his closing remarks at Navajo, the moment he described him as a career highlight.
“It was a powerful experience to speak at Navajo in front of education ministers around the world,” he said. “It highlighted the importance of language and culture in education and the need to preserve them for future generations.”
Information provided by Flagstaff Unified School District
