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April 1–5 is National Assistant Principals Week. In honor of it, Principal Leadership asked Mario Balderrama, the assistant principal of Vail Academy and High School in Tucson, AZ, and Rhoda Núñez-Donnelly, an assistant principal of Harper’s Choice Middle School in Columbia, MD, what this special time means to them. What does AP Week mean to […]

SHOUT-OUT TO STUDENT LEADERS “Level Up” is THE THEME of National Student Leadership Week, April 22–26. In recent years, we’ve all been challenged to elevate our game, but it’s our student leaders who have truly risen to the occasion, showcasing innovation and resilience. By pushing boundaries and embracing growth, these young leaders exemplify what it […]

One of the first things that struck me on the night I was named 2023 National Principal of the Year was the reaction of the women in the room. As they shook my hand or, more commonly, embraced me, many remarked how glad they were that a woman would represent them. I remember thinking, “Oh […]

What seemed like a normal day in March 2020 turned upside down after hearing Principal James Flynn come on the loudspeaker to announce the extended two-week spring break. The hiatus from school was coupled with business closures, panic for food, water, and toilet paper, as well as fear of a virus we knew little about. […]

Students are raising their voices about the things they believe are essential to their success in school and in life. And at the U.S. Department of Education, we are listening. In roundtable discussions and in town halls, through emails and letters, and during visits to K–12 schools across the country, three major themes have emerged. […]

As an NASSP board member, I am often asked by principals and assistant principals, “How can I be more involved in my state affiliate and NASSP so that I can make a difference?” I sincerely appreciate this question because it shows that not only does that person want to be a great administrator for kids […]

I’ve been married for more than 30 years. My husband and I are both educators and school leaders, currently serving as principals. But during much of our time together, we suffered silently through something that is still hard for educators to talk about: a mental health crisis. Our challenges started when my husband had a […]

“See the game through all sets of your teammates’ eyes” is one of the lifelong leadership lessons I learned in high school from Mark Ritter, my varsity basketball coach. Simple words with a profound influence. To me, the lesson has always centered on the importance of empathy, perspective-taking, focus, collaboration, shared vision, and goals and […]

When I was a high school principal, I always tried to listen to students and their ideas for activities, events, and ways to build school pride. However, it was not until a school-related tragedy that I focused on student voice and youth-adult partnerships. I will never forget May 22, 2016—the day one of our beloved […]