Principal of the Year
NASSP’s 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.
State Principals of the Year are invited to the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA), 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. It culminates in a ceremony that announces the Middle Level and High School National Principals of the Year (NPOYs).
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. National-level 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.
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. 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.
Timeline
- State nomination period (portal open for submissions to submissions closed): September 1, 2025–December 15, 2025
- State nominees/winners reviewed: January 1–February 2026
- National finalists publicly announced (three National Middle Level finalists and three National High School finalists): February–March 2026
- National winners publicly announced at NELA (National Middle Level Principal of the Year and National High School Principal of the Year): April 2026
See our past honorees
More from our winners
- 2025 NPOY Tracie Anderson Swilley: Trust the Process | NASSP
- 2024 NPOY Andy Farley: The Power of Student Gratitude | NASSP
- 2023 NPOY Donna Hayward: Elevating Student Voice | NASSP
Another way to celebrate your principal