Reston, VA – The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) have declared the week of April 11–15, 2016, as National Assistant Principals Week to honor and recognize the contributions of assistant principals to the success of students in schools across the United States.

“Assistant principals play a vital role in the positive strides that students in our nation’s schools make every day, and this week is about officially honoring and celebrating them for their dedication to that challenging role,” said NASSP Executive Director JoAnn D. Bartoletti. “We have a variety of activities planned to highlight assistant principals this week, and we hope all members of the school community find ways to celebrate the wonderful assistant principals in their own school.”

“We congratulate and celebrate assistant principals for their steadfast commitment to our nation’s children,” said NAESP Executive Director Gail Connelly. “Oftentimes, these individuals are the unsung heroes in our schools, and NAESP is pleased that during this week, we can all reflect and call attention to the critical role assistant principals play in supporting school and student performance.”

“This week is an excellent time to pause and recognize the tremendous hard work and commitment assistant principals put into our school communities each day,” said AFSA President Diann Woodard. “AFSA is proud to commemorate these significant individuals and applaud them for their immeasurable contributions to education.”

AP Week’s planned activities include a special Twitter #APchat moderated by 2014 Maryland Assistant Principal of the Year, Jared Wastler; a webinar, “Finding Your Leadership Voice,” to discuss the development of assistant principals as part of The Wallace Foundation Principal Pipeline Initiative; and the start of a new online feature, “Expert of the Week,” available through the Assistant Principal Leadership Center.

For more information or for ideas on how principals, assistant principals, teachers, students, and parents can celebrate AP Week in their own schools and communities, visit www.nassp.org/apweek or search #apweek on social media.

About AFSA

The American Federation of School Administrators is the exclusive union for administrators, professionals and supervisors advocating for excellence and equity in all of our schools, workplaces, and communities. AFSA members are leaders in their schools and communities and are charged with the privilege and responsibility of helping to mold our nation’s students into successful, mindful individuals. As school leaders, AFSA members are constantly advocating for better public schools and systems of education. AFSA members are active in the labor movement and proudly stand in solidarity with all trade unionists and school administrators.

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and all school leaders from across the United States and more than 35 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.

About NAESP

Principals are the primary catalysts for creating lasting foundations for learning. Since 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has been the leading advocate for elementary and middle level principals in the United States and worldwide. NAESP advances the profession by developing policy, advancing advocacy, and providing professional development and resources for instructional leadership, including specialized support and mentoring for early career principals. Key focus areas include pre-K–3 education, school safety, technology and digital learning, and effective educator evaluation. For more information about NAESP, please visit www.naesp.org. NAESP administers the National Principals Resource Center, the American Student Council Association, and the President’s Education Awards & American Citizenship Awards Programs.