The National Education Leadership Awards (NELA), hosted annually by NASSP, is the premier, invitation-only event honoring excellence in school leadership and student achievement.  

More than an awards ceremony, NELA is an inspiring gathering of principals, assistant principals, and student scholars, united by a shared purpose to make a lasting difference in education. 

NHS Scholarship finalists, NASC Scholarship winners, and National Assistant Principal of the Year finalists hold their awards at NELA 2025. Photo courtesy of NASSP.

Who Attends NELA? 

NELA brings together a select group of top-performing school leaders and students who are shaping the future of education. These individuals represent the highest standards in school leadership, student achievement, advocacy, and service: 

2025-NELA-APOY
2025 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Terri Daniels, center, with NASSP Immediate Past President Raquel Martinez, left, and NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. Photo courtesy of NASSP.     

What Makes NELA Special? 

This multi-day event is designed to celebrate, elevate, and inspire: 

Recognition

  • Honorees are celebrated on a national stage, hearing from NASSP leadership, past honorees, and a keynote speaker during the gala. 

  • Finalists for national awards are selected through a competitive and thoughtful process involving former honorees and education leaders. 
    • The event culminates in announcing the national winners of: 
      • Middle & High School Assistant Principal of the Year (NAPOY) 
      • Middle & High School Principal of the Year (NPOY) 
      • Advocacy Champion of the Year (ACOY) 
      • NHS Scholarship Winners – Pillars and Overall Winner 

Connection and Leadership Development 

  • Sessions focus on leadership skills, peer mentorship, and community impact. 

  • Attendees build lasting relationships with like-minded leaders from across the country. 

  • Participants engage in advocacy training to elevate the principal voice in policy conversations. 

  • Honorees receive opportunities to collaborate with NASSP and shape national education priorities.

Student Impact 

  • NHS Scholarship Finalists are selected for their outstanding commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, and character. 

  • Among the 600 annual NHS scholarship recipients, only 25 finalists are invited to NELA. 

  • NASC Scholarship Winners are selected for their extraordinary contributions to their school communities through service, leadership, and student voice.

Continued Celebration & Support 

Following NELA, all Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year will receive: 

  • Complimentary registration to the next NASSP national conference for school principals.

     
  • Ongoing support to elevate their work through NASSP channels including webinar facilitators, external conference presenters and more. 
2025 Wyoming High School Assistant Principal of the Year Steven Lensegrav and 2025 California High School Assistant Principal of the Year Atikah Osman chat during a session at NELA 2025. Photo courtesy of NASSP. 
2025-2026  National Middle Level Principal of the Year Damon Lewis, EdD, enjoying his presentation to the 2025 State Principals of the Year. Photo courtesy of NASSP. 

Why It Matters 

NELA is more than a ceremony. Attendees leave: 

  • Seen and celebrated for their hard work and dedication 

  • Connected to a powerful network of peers and mentors 

  • Inspired and energized to return to their schools (or move on to new ones) with renewed purpose and vision 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

NELA offers unique opportunities for sponsors to support meaningful recognition and leadership growth. From the red-carpet reception to branded materials and student scholarships, there are many ways to get involved. 

See our Sponsorship Guide to learn more.