National Assistant Principals Week, April 6–10, 2026, is a celebration of the unsung heroes in our education system. These dedicated folks work tirelessly to bolster teachers, motivate students, support their principal, create a positive learning community, and face the many unpredictable challenges that land on their desk.

Assistant Principals play a crucial role, and this week is a dedicated time to recognize them for their hard work and commitment to our schools, students, and profession. Please join us in celebrating these incredible school leaders!

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Assistant Principal of the Year Award

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

State Assistant 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 National Middle Level and High School Assistant Principals of the Year (NAPOYs). 

Learn more about the Assistant Principal of the Year award program.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

  • 5 Reasons to Join NASSP in 2026  
    As 2025 winds to a close, it’s the perfect time to consider your goals for the year ahead. If one of them is to take leadership to the next level, then it’s time to join NASSP—if you aren’t already a […]
  • Meet NASSP High School National Assistant Principal of the Year Saani Perry 
    Rahsaan “Saani” Perry, the assistant principal of West Florence High School in Florence, SC, was recently named NASSP’s 2025 High School National Assistant Principal of the Year and the next principal of John W. Moore Middle School. We asked him […]
  • Meet NASSP Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year Liz Nelson 
    Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson, the associate principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI, was recently named NASSP’s 2025 Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year. We asked her about the honor and what it means to her […]
  • Combating Spring Absenteeism 
    Spring in a beach town is beautiful and a bit of a nightmare for school attendance. At Keansburg High School in Keansburg, NJ, where chronic absenteeism peaked at 40% post-pandemic, the warming weather often signals a drop in engagement. With […]
  • Five Tips for Assistant Principals From a Longtime AP 
    Tom Lenarz has been the assistant principal of Cloquet Middle School in Cloquet, MN, for more than 20 years, all but one of them alongside principal and NASSP Board Member Tom Brenner. During years in the role, Lenarz has gained […]