National Assistant Principals Week is April 5–9, 2021! Join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring the enormous contributions of assistant principals to student success. This year, our celebration takes on even greater significance as we recognize all that assistant principals have conquered amid the pandemic and consider what their ever-expanding and evolving role might look like moving forward. Through it all, America’s assistant principals have demonstrated unwavering leadership—becoming a source of strength and inspiration for us all.
AP Week Events
Take a look at these upcoming AP Week events and plan how you can get involved—and invite others to participate! Celebrate anytime, anywhere, all week long!
| April 6 | Expert of the Week blog – “Purpose and the Assistant Principalship: Four Questions for Reflection” by Debra Paradowski, Associate Principal of Arrowhead Union High School in Hartland, WI and 2020 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year. |
| April 7 | Webinar at 3:00 p.m. (ET)—Leading Through Uncertainty: How Assistant Principals Are Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic. Watch Now » |
| April 8 | Take Action on Behalf of APs |
| April 9 | National Assistant Principal of the Year Announcement |
Thank Your Assistant Principal
Does your assistant principal make a difference for your school? Thank them with one of our appreciation activities!
Send an E-Card
If ever there was a time to express how much your AP means to you and your school community, this is it. Browse the wide selection of e-cards, add your message, and schedule the delivery—it’s that easy!
#APWeek21
Use #APWeek21 on Twitter and Instagram to share your words of appreciation, celebratory images, and other acknowledgments of the great work APs do year-round.
Need help getting started? Check out these sample social media posts.
Appreciation Ideas for School Leaders
Gratitude is a gift that always fits. Show your APs how much you value their contributions with one of these suggested activities for principals.
Activity Ideas for Parents, Teachers, and Students
Everyone can get involved during AP Week! Take a look at a few ideas for how parents, teachers, and students can show appreciation for their assistant principals.
Take Action
AP Week celebrates assistant principals across the country—and the best way to honor our country’s APs is to advocate for them. That’s why we’re asking you to participate in a critical action alert on April 8, urging Congress to lead the charge on the Rebuild and Reopen America’s Schools Act. Take action now!
National Assistant Principal of the Year
During AP Week on April 9, NASSP will announce the 2021 National Assistant Principal of the Year. An assistant principal will be chosen among the three finalists and recognized on a national scale for their ability to excel in this demanding role and lead their school with strength and determination.
We were honored to recognize our 2021 awardees in a recognition celebration on April 9!
Please also extend your congratulations to the Assistant Principal of the Year state winners. Get to know them here.
Resources for APs
Check out these resources to get the support you need to continue succeeding in your role.
Assistant Principal Leadership Center
Connect with your colleagues and other experts in this online portal to enhance your skills, explore current trends and research, and celebrate your successes.
AP Expert of the Week
Take advantage of our Expert of the Week blog series! Featuring a different State Assistant Principal of the Year post each week, this series showcases and invites discussion about the most pressing issues affecting assistant principals.