National Principals Month has officially started, and NASSP, the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) are excited to share the upcoming opportunities we have for the education community to celebrate, advocate, and collaborate on behalf of principals everywhere.

Turn Your Focus on Wellness

Even as COVID-19 unleashed new challenges this year, you rose to the occasion, providing your school with the strong leadership it needs. And while you clearly showed how you will do anything to put your students and faculty first, we believe it is important to prioritize your own mental and physical wellness. That’s why NASSP, AFSA, and NAESP want you to join us for a lighthearted virtual townhall on principal wellness as part of National Principals Month. Our “Virtual Town Hall on Principal Wellness” will take place on October 6 at 6:00 p.m. (ET) and feature principals from across the nation who will share how they’re dealing with their own wellness. Plus, unlike a recording or a presentation, they will actively encourage attendees to share their own methods and ideas during the Zoom event so you can get ideas on how you can ensure you are caring for yourself while also caring for others. This is your chance to engage with your peers on an honest and personal level. Register now and add this event to your calendar.

Honoring the National Principal of the Year

On October 21 at 3:00 p.m. (ET), NASSP will honor the National Principal of the Year during the 2020 Virtual Principal of the Year Awards Program—and you can experience it right along with us! Chosen from finalists Adam Clemons, principal of Piedmont High School in Piedmont, AL; Richard Gordon, principal of Paul Robeson High School for Human Services in Philadelphia; and Michelle Kefford, principal of Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, FL, the national winner will be recognized for their exemplary work in ensuring the success and well-being of students and adults in their learning communities. NASSP is excited to maintain its tradition of honoring our best principals in this new virtual format, and we hope you are able to participate in the celebration.

Virtual Capitol Hill Briefing

We also invite you to join us on Thursday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m. (ET) for our NPM Virtual Capitol Hill Briefing, “Principals and the Pandemic: How School Leaders Are Navigating COVID-19.” You’ll hear directly from representatives from NASSP, AFSA, and NAESP—as well as fellow principals—as they discuss the challenges your community has faced throughout the ongoing COVID pandemic. You’ll get to ask questions directly of your peers about how they are ensuring the safety of their students and educators as well as providing access to the best learning opportunities possible. Reserve your spot now!

Shadowing Visits

Shadowing visits are a great way to help members of Congress, their staff, state and local elected officials, or other community leaders experience firsthand the responsibilities and challenges that principals like you face every day. If you’re hosting a shadowing visit during National Principals Month, don’t forget to submit the details for the chance to receive $2,500 in DonorsChoose grants that can be used to purchase school supplies, classroom materials, PPE, or other equipment that your school needs.

NPM in the Community

While we there are plenty of opportunities for principals to participate in National Principals Month, your community members are also getting in on the celebrations. Keep an eye out for thank-you e-cards from your students, staff, parents, and more as they express their gratitude—and you can even send an e-card to your colleagues to spread the appreciation.

Additionally, your students may be giving you a shoutout on Twitter as part of the #ThankAPrincipal Student Social Media Contest, and we encourage you to engage with them and let them know you’re feeling the love!

On behalf of NASSP, AFSA, and NAESP—and learning communities everywhere—we once again want to thank principals like you for your tireless hard work. We hope you enjoy the events of National Principals Month, and we look forward to using this time to honor you as well as advocate for a stronger principalship.

 

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