Principals smile while taking a photo at NELA. Photo courtesy of NASSP. 

The National Principal of the Year award celebrates exceptional school leaders whose impact extends far beyond their buildings. This recognition spotlights principals who exemplify visionary leadership, student-centered innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence in education.  

Starting in 2027, State Principals of the Year are invited to the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) at the National Principals Conference, a celebration that brings together the nation’s most influential school leaders. Honorees share innovative ideas, build lasting relationships, and amplify their impact within their schools and communities. NASSP will announce the National Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year in the spring.   

This award matters because it: 

  • Honors exceptional school leaders for their impact on their school communities and beyond, with national recognition and yearlong visibility.  

  • Celebrates finalists at NELA, where winners are announced live on stage among peers and national education leaders.  

  • Amplifies principal voices through thought leadership, media opportunities, and influence on education policy at local and national levels.  

  • Builds a powerful, lasting network of school leaders who mentor others, shape policy, and support one another through exclusive events and shared purpose.  

What sets candidates apart? 

  • They build a thriving, inclusive school culture. These principals actively shape a climate where students are known and valued, and wellness is prioritized for everyone.  

  • They lead with connection. These school leaders foster strong relationships through communication that builds trust inside and outside the school.  

  • They elevate others. They intentionally develop leadership pipelines—mentoring staff, empowering students, and creating systems that prepare the next generation of leaders.  

  • They champion collaboration. These principals invite shared decision-making and create meaningful opportunities for students and staff.  

  • They inspire innovation. Honorees lead instruction with boldness and innovation to create globally relevant, rich learning experiences.  

  • They create meaningful, measurable change. Using data and real stories, these leaders show how their schools grow—not just in academic achievement, but in expanding opportunities and amplifying student voice.  
Jason Johnson speaks after being named the 2026 National High School Principal of the Year. Photo courtesy of NASSP. 

Selection Process

State Principal of the Year nominations must be submitted by NASSP state affiliate organizations and reflect accomplishments from the previous three school years. If you would like to submit a nominee, please contact your state association to do so.   

State Principal of the Year winners are considered for the National Principal of the Year award if they meet eligibility requirements. 

Eligibility requirements 

To be eligible, candidates must be current NASSP members and active principals, heads of school, or school leaders at public, private, or virtual middle level or high schools (grades 6–12), with at least three consecutive years of experience in the role. Beginning with the 2027 awards cycle, state associations fully affiliated with NASSP on the elementary level will also be eligible to submit Elementary Principals of the Year. NASSP board members and staff (and their immediate family), previous national winners, and those who fail to update NASSP about changes in their role are not eligible for the national award.  

Timeline

  • State nomination period (portal open for submissions to submissions closed): September 1, 2026, 8 a.m. ET–December 15, 2026, 8 p.m. ET 

  • All state winners celebrated: February 6–9, 2027, at the National Principals Conference (NPC) in Tampa, FL 

  • National Education Leadership Awards Dinner, February 6, 6 p.m. ET 

  • Online scoring of eligible nominees for National Principal of the Year: December 2026–January 2027 

  • National finalists interviewed: Early March 2027 

  • National finalists publicly announced (three National Elementary finalists, three National Middle Level finalists and three National High School finalists): March 2027 

  • National winners publicly announced (National Elementary Principal of the Year, National Middle Level Principal of the Year, and National High School Principal of the Year): Late March–April 2027 
The 2026 National Middle Level Principal of the Year Sonia Ruiz stands with NASSP Board President Evelyn Edney, left, and NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe, right.
The 2026 National Middle Level Principal of the Year Sonia Ruiz stands with NASSP Board President Evelyn Edney, left, and NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe, right.

See our past honorees 

More from our winners 

Another way to celebrate your principal 

National Principals Month | NASSP