NASSP’s recognition programs celebrate exceptional principals and assistant principals in our membership community who are transforming their schools through outstanding leadership. These honorees inspire staff, empower students, and create lasting impact in education.
Principal of the Year
The NASSP Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle level and high school principals who have provided high-quality learning opportunities for students and made exemplary contributions to the profession.
Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level and one high school principal to represent their state. From these state winners, three finalists are named for each level as contenders for National Principal of the Year. The NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year and the NASSP National High School Principal of the Year are each selected from among the finalists.
Assistant Principal of the Year
The NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year program annually recognizes exemplary middle level and high school assistant principals and the significant role they play in student development.
Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, and the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools may select one middle level assistant principal and one high school assistant principal to represent their state. From these state winners, three finalists are named as contenders for National Assistant Principal of the Year. The NASSP National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year and the NASSP National High School Assistant Principal of the Year are each selected from among the finalists.
Digital Principal of the Year
To reflect changes in education, NASSP refreshed its recognition programs and sunset the Digital Principal of the Year (DPOY) program in 2022. We continue to recognize and celebrate past winners, valuing the unique perspectives they brought and continue to bring to the profession.
The Digital Principal of the Year program honored principals who demonstrated bold, creative leadership in harnessing the power of technology to advance learning goals. Applications were submitted directly to NASSP, and three winners were selected and announced each year. While the Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year programs recognize school leadership success more broadly, DPOY winners specifically showcased excellence in the use of technology. Past DPOY winners are now invited to attend any Principal of the Year alumni events, including POY Coffee Lounges at conferences and other NASSP gatherings.
Advocacy Champion of the Year
Since 2019, the Advocacy Champion of the Year Award has honored a leader for outstanding and significant contributions to advancing NASSP’s policy agenda and advocating on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student. This prestigious award is NASSP’s highest recognition for education advocacy—spotlighting individuals who elevate the voices of school leaders at every level of government. Nominees must be current or former principals or assistant principals. Nominations must be submitted by NASSP state affiliate organizations. Three finalists are chosen, and the winner is announced at NASSP’s National Education Leadership Awards.