Our month-long celebration of National Principals Month has concluded and schools across the country took the opportunity to say “thank you” to their principals in really meaningful ways.
Video Contest
One way was through the student video contest, which challenged students to create fun short videos telling us why they love their principal. This year’s winners are:
- Saint John of San Francisco Orthodox Academy – San Francisco, VA
Principal: Mary Najjarian - Gwinnett Online Campus – Lawrencevilla, GA
Principal: Dr. Christopher Ray - Southbridge High School – Southbridge, MA
Andrae Townsel
Congratulations to all our winning schools and principals!
Social Media
Students, teachers, and parents also flooded social media with ways they were celebrating with #ThankAPrincipal. Check out all the posts by searching for #ThankAPrincipal on Twitter and Instagram.
Webinars and Capitol Hill Event
During the month, six webinars on a variety of topics relevant to school leaders were held. Topics included creating a mindful school, culturally responsive leadership, state efforts to elevate principals, effective feedback that improves teacher and student performance, collaborative leadership, and what factors make leaders effective.
Aside from webinars, on October 24, NASSP, NAESP, and AFSA also livestreamed a Capitol Hill briefing that explored the use of federal dollars to support educator professional development, recruitment, and preparation. Learn more and view the recording here.
Legislative Resolutions
This month is recognized in schools and communities across the country and has been acknowledged by U.S. senators, representatives, and top government officials. Check the National Principals Month website to read Senate, House, and state resolutions and proclamations related to the month.
Principal of the Year
National Principals Month is also when the National Principal of the Year (POY) is announced. Out of exceptional school leaders from 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, Dr. Akil E. Ross, principal of Chapin High School in Chapin, SC, was selected for the award. We are honored to recognize Principal Ross as a model of compassionate and effective school leadership. To learn more about Akil Ross and the POY program, visit www.nassp.org/poy.
It is clear that school leaders have a significant influence on their students and communities, and we thank everyone who made this month so impactful.
We look forward to seeing how people participate in next year’s National Principals Month! See you October 2018!