NASSP’s National Assistant Principal of the Year award celebrates exceptional school leaders whose impact extends far beyond their buildings. This recognition spotlights assistant principals who exemplify visionary leadership, student-centered innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence in education. 

State Assistant Principals of the Year are invited to the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA), a celebration that brings together the nation’s most influential school leaders. Honorees share innovative ideas, build lasting relationships, and amplify their impact within their schools and communities. It culminates in a ceremony that announces the National Middle Level and High School Assistant Principals of the Year (NAPOYs). 

2025 National Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists La Faye Howard, Saani Perry, and Dan Beck with NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe after receiving their awards at NELA. Photo courtesy of NASSP. 

This award matters because it: 

  • Honors exceptional school leaders for their impact on their school communities and beyond, with national recognition and yearlong visibility. 

  • Celebrates finalists at NELA, where winners are announced among peers and national education leaders. 

  • Amplifies assistant principal voices through thought leadership, media opportunities, and influence on education policy at local and national levels. 

  • Builds a powerful, lasting network of school leaders who mentor others, shape policy, and support one another through exclusive events and shared purpose. 

What sets candidates apart? 

  • They cultivate a supportive, inclusive school environment. These assistant principals build a climate where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. 

  • They lead through relationships. APOY candidates strengthen their school communities with trust-building communication and genuine connection. 

  • They empower others. They mentor teachers, support student leadership, and build capacity across their schools to nurture future leaders. 

  • They drive collaborative solutions. These leaders bring people together to co-create a strong school culture. 

  • They innovate from within. Honorees bring fresh ideas to instruction, operations, and engagement that elevate learning and improve outcomes. 

Selection Process

State Assistant Principal of the Year nominations must be submitted by NASSP state affiliate organizations and reflect accomplishments from the previous three school years. If you would like to submit a nominee, please contact your state association to do so.  

State Assistant Principal of the Year winners are considered for the National Assistant Principal of the Year award if they meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility requirements 

To be eligible, candidates must be current NASSP members and active assistant or associate principals, assistant heads of school, or associate deans at public, private, or virtual middle level or high schools (grades 6–12), with at least three consecutive years of experience in the role. NASSP board members and staff (and their immediate family), previous national winners, and those who fail to update NASSP about changes in their role are not eligible. 

Timeline

  • State nomination period (portal open for submissions to submissions closed): September 1, 2025–December 15, 2025  

  • State nominees/winners reviewed: January 1–February 2026    

  • National finalists publicly announced (three National Middle Level finalists and three National High School finalists): February–March 2026

  • National winners publicly announced at NELA (National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year and National High School Assistant Principal of the Year): April 2026  
From top left clockwise: 2025 National High School Assistant Principal of the Year Saani Perry and NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe; 2025 National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year Liz Nelson; and 2025 National Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists Julie Johnson, La Faye Howard, Saani Perry, Dan Beck, and Justin Tucker. Photos courtesy of NASSP. 

See our past honorees 

More from our winners 

Another way to celebrate your assistant principal 

AP Week