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 […]
Category: School Leadership
Celebrating the 2025–26 National Principal of the Year Finalists
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.
Assistant Principals Leadership NetworkAssistant Principals NetworkNASSP 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 […]
Get Ready to Lead: What’s Next at UNITED 2025
Let’s be honest: Engaging in professional development opportunities—let alone attending a national conference—might feel like the last thing on your list right now. But if you’re carrying the weight of leading through burnout, political pressures, and constant change, UNITED 2025 is your lifeline.
UNITED
The UNITED 2025 Agenda Is Live: Find Your Path Forward
Navigate 200+ Sessions With Guides Focused on What You’re Facing The full UNITED 2025 agenda is live, featuring more than 200 sessions designed to support principals and assistant principals leading in a rapidly shifting landscape. NASSP’s annual conference will bring together over 4,000 school leaders for two days of learning and connection.
Five Tips for Assistant Principals From a Longtime AP
Tom Lenarz has been the assistant principal of Cloquet Middle School in Cloquet, MN, for more than 20 years, all but one of them alongside principal and NASSP Board Member Tom Brenner. During years in the role, Lenarz has gained a lot of wisdom about the assistant principalship. To kick off National Assistant Principals Week, […]
Assistant Principals Leadership NetworkAssistant Principals Network
Celebrating the 2025 Advocacy Champion Finalists
In schools across America, the most effective change often begins with a principal willing to bridge the gap between policy and practice. This year’s NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year finalists exemplify this crucial connection, demonstrating how school leaders can amplify both educator and student voices in ways that transform education policy. The winner will […]
advocacy champion of the year
Celebrating Excellence: Meet the 2025 National Assistant Principals of the Year Finalists
Assistant principals of every successful school often work behind the scenes, creating the systems and support structures that allow students and teachers to thrive. Today, we shine a spotlight on six exceptional educational leaders who represent the best of what it means to be an assistant principal in America’s schools.
NASSP Assistant Principals of the Year Alumni NetworkWomen in School Leadership Network
Leaning Into Literacy in Action
If you ask me what I collect, my answer is always the same: books. Reading has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal growth, providing endless opportunities for reflection, inspiration, and learning. But beyond just reading, I love discussing books with others, exchanging insights, and uncovering new perspectives. Below are some books that […]
Support Your Case to Attend
Interested in attending UNITED, July 11–13 in Seattle, WA? We can’t wait to see you there! We’re making it easy for you to request approval and secure your budget with our pre-filled letter template. Download here!