What Is National Principals Month?
Every October, National Principals Month shines a spotlight on the transformative power of our school principals. These dedicated leaders play an essential role in shaping their communities, paving pathways to success for every student and staff member in their schools.
However, the principal’s role stretches far beyond administrative duties. Their leadership has a deep-seated impact on the very heart of education. Their influence radiates outwards, touching all facets of a school and significantly impacting student outcomes.
National Principals Month is a time for us all to celebrate and take action. Principals face very real challenges that urgently need our support. This month, we don’t just honor our principals, we advocate for them, urging for policy changes and strategic support that equip them to thrive in their pivotal roles.
The celebration and advocacy work are a shared endeavor between the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the The National Principals Association (NPA). Together, we’re committed to supporting and uplifting the cornerstone of our educational system—our school principals.
About the Organizations
The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA)
AFSA promotes the professional, occupational, and economic interests of public school principals, administrators, and supervisors nationwide. As the only national education union for school administrators, it provides labor relations and professional services along with other support for its members.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
NAESP advocates for the support that elementary and middle school principals need to be successful leaders—to achieve the highest results for children, families, and communities. NAESP provides high-quality professional learning and resources aligned to leadership standards; supports school leaders in providing students a well-rounded and complete education, which includes access to high-quality early learning, arts integration, and afterschool and summer learning; and strengthens the principal pipeline through mentor training and support for early career principals, assistant principals, and aspiring principals.
The National Principals Association (NPA)
The National Principals Association is the national professional home for principals and assistant principals across the PreK–12 continuum and the unified voice of the profession. Building on more than a century of leadership as the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the organization advances school leadership through advocacy, professional learning, and peer networks. The association also supports student leadership development through nationally recognized programs, including the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and the National Association of Student Councils, engaging more than 16,000 school leaders, 30,000 advisers, and 1 million students nationwide.