Happy National Principals Month to all the amazing school leaders out there from all of us at NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators! We know how important school leaders are to the success of their students and we want to take this time to express our appreciation. That’s why our organizations have once again declared October as National Principals Month. With the current administration threatening to implement education policy that negatively impacts schools, celebrating National Principals Month has become especially important to show support for school leadership. In these challenging times, school leaders need to know that their staff, students, and community are behind them and recognize their efforts.
National Principals Month isn’t just recognized by NASSP, NAESP, and AFSA though. It has also been acknowledged by U.S. senators, representatives, and other government officials. As we have in previous years, NASSP is working with the House and Senate to introduce resolutions commemorating National Principals Month.
We encourage you to also take part! Get information about sending e-cards and more at www.principalsmonth.org. Don’t forget to use #ThankAPrincipal when posting about your school’s activities on social media—access our social media toolkit for sample posts. Other activities this month include:
- Student Video Contest.The deadline to submit videos is October 5, 11:59 p.m. Check out the 2017 entries and use this form to submit your school’s entry.
- Capitol Hill Day Event. On October 3, Principals meet with their respective members of Congress to advocate for education.
- Webinars and Twitter Chats. Professional learning sessions will focus on topics and issues related to principals and leadership.
- Shadowing Day Visits. Government officials, members of the media, and others shadow principals for the day during National Principal Shadowing Week, October 15–19. This is the perfect opportunity for individuals to experience the role and challenges facing principals.
We hope you get involved in as many activities as you can, and we thank you for taking the time to join us in celebrating school leaders this National Principals Month and the rest of the year!