January 16, 2025
Ryan Chee, principal of Leupp Elementary School, proudly represented the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) at the International Successful School Principalship Project (ISSPP) Research–Practice Conference. This prestigious event took place in London, UK, from November 11-15, 2024, bringing together educators, researchers, and policymakers to explore the role of leadership in advancing educational equity and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4—quality education for all.
Leupp Elementary School, located on the Navajo Nation, was one of only five schools worldwide selected for a UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report case study. Chee was the sole school leader chosen to present on behalf of the selected schools, sharing innovative practices that blend Navajo traditions with modern education.
During his opening remarks, delivered in both English and Navajo, Chee 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 how fascinated people were by Navajo traditions and how they connect to education.”
The conference theme, Successful School Leadership for Sustainable Development, closely aligned with Chee’s work at Leupp Elementary. Many of his students travel hours each day from remote areas, and he has implemented programs that emphasize academic achievement while honoring Navajo identity. Among his initiatives is the No Excuses college readiness program, which encourages students to pursue higher education, and the Language and Leadership Academy, which fosters cultural preservation alongside leadership development.
Chee prioritizes college exposure from an early age, organizing elementary school visits to campuses like Northern Arizona University, where he is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership.
“I want my students to see themselves on these campuses,” he explained. “They need to understand that higher education is a real possibility for them.”
Leupp Elementary’s achievements have earned national and international recognition. The GEM Report highlighted its success in integrating language and culture with academic goals.
“The ISSPP and GEM Report validated the work we’re doing,” Chee said. “They’ve shown that cultural values and academic rigor can be successfully interwoven to achieve great outcomes.”
At the ISSPP conference, Chee participated in several discussions, including a United Nations convening, where he addressed the importance of trust in leadership.
“Trust is the foundation of leadership,” he said. “It allows principals to develop programs that align with their community’s values and goals, ensuring better outcomes for students.”
Chee also emphasized the role of community partnerships in student success. Leupp Elementary collaborates with the Winslow Indian Health Care Center, the Navajo Nation, and Northern Arizona University to provide extracurricular and cultural learning experiences. Programs funded by tax credit donations, including field trips and the Navajo Leadership Academy, further enhance students’ education.
“These resources give our students opportunities to learn and grow in ways that reflect who they are,” he said.
Chee’s experience at ISSPP reinforced the broader impact of strong school leadership.
“The main purpose of this event was to stress how critical leadership is for successful schools,” he said. “It’s not just about managing a school—it’s about inspiring students, empowering teachers, and fostering a community that values education.”
The conference concluded with Chee delivering the closing remarks in Navajo, a moment he described as a career highlight.
“Speaking in Navajo in front of Ministers of Education from around the world was a powerful experience,” he shared. “It highlighted the significance of language and culture in education and the need to preserve them for future generations.” Chee’s participation at ISSPP not only showcased the exceptional work at Leupp Elementary but also elevated FUSD’s presence on the international stage. His leadership is an inspiring example of how culturally responsive education can transform students’ lives and create lasting impacts in communities.
As FUSD celebrates Chee’s achievements, it also reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovative leadership across all its schools.
