The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) announced today that its members have discussed and voted to approve the proposal to expand NASSP membership eligibility to all PK–12 school leaders, including elementary principals and assistant principals. 

The approval represents a landmark decision to bring school leaders together across the entire Pre-K through 12th grade continuum, strengthening NASSP’s ability to serve and advocate for all principals and assistant principals in the nation’s schools. 

“By bringing all school leaders together under one organization, NASSP can offer richer collaboration, stronger professional development and a unified advocacy voice that reflects the needs of our entire community,” said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of NASSP. “This is about honoring the request from our members and making NASSP the strongest possible network for every school leader who shares your work and your challenges.” 

The membership expansion will enable NASSP to: 

  • Open membership to principals and assistant principals across the entire PK–12 continuum 
  • Support stronger alignment with state affiliates and strengthen partnerships across all grade levels 
  • Expand opportunities for professional learning and collaboration among school leaders regardless of grade configuration 
  • Deepen NASSP’s collective advocacy voice with a unified membership representing all school leaders 

“The challenges principals face, including school safety, academic recovery, student mental health, staffing and family engagement, are connected across grade levels,” Nozoe continued. “This decision recognizes that a unified membership strengthens the association’s ability to address these systemic issues and advocate effectively at the district, state, and federal levels.” 

“The call from many of our state associations and members for greater opportunities to work and learn with colleagues throughout the entire education system was clear,” noted Dr. Evelyn Edney, NASSP Board President. “This vote reflects our commitment to that request and to building the strongest possible organization for every school leader in America.” 

NASSP will begin implementing the approved membership expansion in the coming months, with details to follow regarding membership options, benefits, and transition procedures.