For years, National Principals Month has been dedicated to celebrating our principals who tirelessly devote themselves to their educational communities every day. This year, in light of the growing shortage of principals across the country, we’re going a step further—we’re aiming to make a real difference by fighting for and with principals. They need continued support from the communities they serve.

Throughout October (and beyond), the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and NASSP are advocating for principals at the local, state, and federal levels. You can take action in many different ways, whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, district leader, policymaker, media member, or fellow principal.

Here are some ways to get involved:

  • Send an e-card to your principal. Select from our newly updated assortment.
  • Engage on social media. Use #ThankAPrincipal to express your gratitude and share updates on the actions you’re taking to support principals throughout the month.
  • Support the PREP Act. The Preparing and Retaining Education Professionals (PREP) Act aims to help empower principals and keep them in their roles. Contact your members of Congress expressing your approval. An email or Tweet goes a long way, and we’ve made it as easy as a click of a button here.
  • Schedule a shadowing visit. Invite federal legislators, their staff, other elected state and local officials and media to come back to school during the week of October 7–11 so they can experience the responsibilities and challenges of a principal firsthand. Check out these resources for everything you need to take Congress to school.
  • Enter the Student Video Contest. Create a one-minute video to celebrate your principal, and submit it by October 7, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Find the contest rules here.
  • Capitol Hill Briefing. Join us live on Facebook as school leaders take on Capitol Hill for a briefing on issues facing the principalship. Learn more here.

We must support our principals as much as possible during this time of nationwide shortages, and this October is the perfect time to do it. Make sure to get involved and spread the word!

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