Today marks the start of October, that special month when we honor principals nationwide. To kick off the celebration of your hard work and dedication, we’re re-upping the following School of Thought posts from our members—middle and high school principals and assistant principals just like you.
Category: School Leadership
5 Must-Read Posts in Honor of National Principals Month
LeadershipReflection & Growthschool climateschool culture
How One NASSP Board Member Supports New Teachers
September can be a scramble. In addition to a fresh cohort of students to look forward to, principals must often onboard brand-new teachers. Most arrive excited to get started but may lack the practical experience needed to handle the day-to-day realities of teaching in high school. Below, Greg Johnson, the principal of West Liberty-Salem High […]
Leadership developmentschool leader recruitment and retentionSchool Safety
4 Reasons to Engage in Student Council This Year
Ever since my election last spring to the National Student Council, I’ve met some amazing people from our officers’ team, our fantastic state representatives, and our national advisers from NASSP, Ann Postlewaite and Taryn Erminio. However, getting to this point and being able to experience these opportunities is something I would have never imagined for […]
Another Chance to Teach the 4 NHS Pillars
For NHS advisers, a new school year brings fresh opportunities to develop the next generation of student leaders. Here, Kathryn Kula, a chemistry teacher and NHS and student council adviser at Jefferson Township High School in Jefferson, NJ, shares how she helps students better understand and uphold the four pillars of NHS.
NHS
Which NASSP Sessions Do You Want to See at SXSW EDU?
NASSP is proposing three new sessions for the 2026 SXSW EDU Conference & Festival. One of the largest and most influential education conferences in the country, SXSW EDU will choose new sessions to include based on three elements, one of which is public voting. The polls close August 24, 2025, so make your selection today!
My 5 Favorite Things About the United Conference
My guiding philosophy for professional development is that gaining even a single new idea constitutes a successful experience. Last month, I attended United: The National Conference on School Leadership in Seattle. I was profoundly impressed by the insights presented. Rather than just one idea, I returned with 21 pages of innovative strategies to implement at […]
Meet NASSP High School National Assistant Principal of the Year Saani Perry
Rahsaan “Saani” Perry, the assistant principal of West Florence High School in Florence, SC, was recently named NASSP’s 2025 High School National Assistant Principal of the Year and the next principal of John W. Moore Middle School. We asked him about the honor and what it means to him and his school.
NASSP Assistant Principals of the Year Alumni Network
Celebrating the 2025–26 National Principal of the Year Finalists
At NASSP, we know that great schools begin with great leaders. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce six exceptional school leaders as finalists for the 2025–26 Middle Level National Principal of the Year and High School National Principal of the Year awards. From combating chronic absenteeism to implementing no cell phone policies to retaining teachers […]
NASSP Principal of the Year Alumni Network
Meet NASSP Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year Liz Nelson
Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson, the associate principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI, was recently named NASSP’s 2025 Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year. We asked her about the honor and what it means to her and her school.
NASSP Assistant Principals of the Year Alumni NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Four Tips to Make Middle School Graduation a Success
At Butler Middle School in Waukesha, WI, where Laura Jennaro is the principal, more than 250 eighth graders will gather in June for the last event of their middle school years: graduation. The school calls it a recognition ceremony to keep the focus on recognizing students’ varied achievements and to help them celebrate a milestone […]