Principals

Why Title I, II and IV funding matters for K12 and workforce readiness

Schools face impossible choices without this funding: cutting programs, overloading staff and reducing student support.

Here are 2 promising ways principals are using AI

AI use among educators has exploded with nearly 60% of K12 principals reporting using AI tools for work. Here's how they're using the technology.

A chat with 2025’s National Principal of the Year

Successful leadership involves building a community of trust, pride and collaboration. Here's how this nationally recognized leader is doing just that.

How this principal found her leadership network

Principals often get caught in the "whirlwind" of their school's complexities. This leader relies on her peers for the advice she needs to break free.

How to create professional development that’s meaningful this year

Some of your best knowledge and expertise lies in your own school buildings, says this principal. All you have to do is ask your teachers what they need.

Meet NASSP’s 3 Principal of the Year finalists of 2025

Read up on this year's finalists for one of the most prestigious awards the principalship has to offer.

‘Talking Out of School Podcast’: The principalship requires student-centered leadership

In this episode, we sit down with the NASSP's 2024 National Principal of the Year Andy Farley to learn more about his leadership philosophy and his advice for current and aspiring principals as the role changes.

Why relationships “drive everything” for this Principal of the Year

"When you have a strong sense of confidence in yourself and where you came from, it helps you understand where you’re going," says Farid Johnson, New York's 2024 principal of the year.

What this principal prioritizes in leading a ‘leadership’ school

Lori Colbert, co-principal of the Barack Obama School of Leadership & STEM outside Chicago, says it's all about giving her fourth- and fifth-graders opportunities to practice future-focused leadership skills throughout the school day.

How 2024’s AP of the year is redefining PD for teachers

It's all about bringing teacher voice to the table, explains Courtney Walker, assistant principal at Carrollton High School. Here's how she makes professional learning enjoyable.

Leaning into the pros of leading a rural school

Principal Natalie Page is leaning into the positives of leading a rural school despite the challenges that come with recruiting teachers and providing an expansive curriculum.

Staying sane: Leaders share the ways they de-stress and decompress

The student mental health crisis and high turnover in leadership have tilted the spotlight toward the wellness of K12 leaders. Superintendent Shane McCord, for one, finds his moments of self-care zen by spending time with his family, fishing and—surprisingly or not—doing yard work.

These best practices create effective assistant principals

Nearly 30 assistant principals share the initiatives they keep close to their hearts that's earned them national recognition.

27 assistant principals are this year’s ‘outstanding’ leaders

The National Association of Elementary School Principals recently announced its "National Outstanding Assistant Principals" of 2024, a cohort of 27 educators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.

‘Talking Out of School’ podcast: Why authenticity is so important for Principal Kafele

"You remind them, you've got to make sure there's harmony in your life, there's balance, so you don't lose sight of the fact that you're not just that leader, you're also a human being away from the school," is a key part of Baruti Kafele's message to building leaders.

Meet NASSP’s 3 Assistant Principal of the Year finalists

This year's finalists are recognized for their success in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. Learn what qualities make them such qualified candidates.

How this principal gives a voice to those who need it most

NASSP's National Advocacy Champion of the Year Chris Young recently joined several hundred leaders in a trip to the nation's capital to discuss student mental health and teachers shortages. He shares with District Administration why advocacy has always been his responsibility.

ELs excelling: Principal shares the keys to 3 big achievements

Principal Angel M. Rodriguez and his team at Lyman Hall Elementary School have seen record numbers of EL students graduating from language programs and being identified as gifted.

What makes this unique middle school one of the coziest places in town

"Everybody has a role in being part of our kid's lives here while they're in the school," says Sham Bevel, a principal in Virginia Beach. "[Kids] want to be here. They know we care."

3 superintendents find new homes while more districts tap first-timers

A five-time Texas superintendent is shifting to a much bigger school system while three other K12 leaders are getting ready to relocate.

Why this principal strives to be a ‘great simplifier’

The key to improving student outcomes is helping educators find a comfortable place to start working toward big goals, says Danny Mendez, Indiana's Principal of the Year. "This is the one profession that helps create all the other professions. It's being a storyteller about our kids—who they are, what they need, what they want to be and what their dreams are."

Why mentorship was—and still is—essential for this principal’s success

"We're family. They will never leave," says Principal Dashe Rowland regarding her New Leaders cohort, an organization that provided her a direct pathway into the principalship.

How this principal helped launch the groundbreaking school she now leads

"There were no traditions or routines yet," Principal Ahna Davis says of Cabot Freshman Academy. "We got to create the school that we wanted. Ten years later, it is still a fantastic school!"

Why principals love these 5 ways their roles are being redefined

A principal's role in student achievement is immense but some educators may not quite comprehend the full scope of a building leader's influence on outcomes.

How Colorado’s Principal of the Year is giving students more learning time

The Colorado high school principal of the year was instrumental in creating a universal schedule that gives students access to a wider range of classes.

Why empowering student leaders is a big priority for Principal Brady

Melissa Brady, Delaware's national distinguished principal, views her students as more than scholars—they are leaders in her elementary school now and in the community of the future. 

7 questions: Why hiring teachers of color is personal for this principal

"I can count on one hand how many teachers of color taught me," Principal E. Rodney Walker says. "I never wanted any student under my care to experience this lack of connection."

Why one principal says, “We’re at a good place. We want to take it up a notch.”

Principal Nikol Youngberg says establishing a welcoming and nurturing climate for students is not a cliche—it's her "why" for being an educator and for leading Flour Bluff Primary & Elementary Schools in Texas.

How this distinguished principal connects culturally with her Navajo students

At the beginning of each year, Pandora Mike introduces herself in the Navajo language to ask students, nearly all of whom identify as Native American, if they are also members of her family clans. "Those who raise their hands, I let them know 'I am your grandmother,'" Mike explains."'From here on,' I say, 'if you see me in the hallway, you can call me Grandma."

3 Principal of the Year finalists described as transformational educators

School leaders from Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for "intertwining innovative mental wellness initiatives with academic rigor."

How mentoring can help new principals lead with kindness

Structured mentorship for new principals is an act of kindness itself, a gift of trust and collaborative support.

Instructional leader: How one principal leverages a love of teaching reading

Principal Angie Krause's background as a reading specialist has come in handy this year as she gets to know each child's academic and social-emotional needs.

Why national award reaffirms a K6 principal’s ‘profound sense of responsibility’

Being named a National Distinguished Principal reinforces Angie Krause's commitment to upholding high leadership standards and inspiring the teachers and students at Kansas' Community Elementary School.

Why “Be Where Your Feet Are” is this distinguished principal’s motto

Principal Karissa Lang is focused on boosting teacher and staff morale, and reducing burnout by helping maintain a work-life balance.

How 2023’s distinguished principals stand out for serving students

37 middle and elementary school leaders made NAESP's 2023 National Distinguished Principals list for driving academic growth during years of disruption, diversifying their staff and improving outreach to non-English speaking families.