For the first time ever, the NASSP Board of Directors is opening nominations to all active members in good standing who are currently serving as principals or assistant principals. This unique opportunity is your chance to step forward as a board of director candidate and be a national advocate for middle level and high school education!

“Being an NASSP board member means I get to represent my colleagues,” says current board member Raquel Martinez, principal at Isaac Stevens Middle School in Pasco, WA. “Not only am I a voice for principals, but I’m also an advocate for all students at the secondary level. Sometimes that means initiating local conversations in my state, and sometimes that means starting up broader conversations in the Capitol building. I don’t take the decisions we make as a board for NASSP lightly. I’m there for a reason.”

Since its inception, the purpose of NASSP has been to improve and strengthen middle level and high school education by:

  • Promoting high professional standards
  • Focusing attention on school leaders’ challenges
  • Providing a national voice for school leaders
  • Building public confidence in education
  • Strengthening the role of the principal as an instructional leader
  • Amplifying the issues and interests of members with the media

By serving on the NASSP Board of Directors, you will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the organization while also supporting current principals and assistant principals.

What Does It Take?

In your new role as a board member, you will be expected to intimately know and actively advocate for NASSP’s mission—to be the leading organization and voice for principals and school leaders across the United States. All board members are committed to transforming education through school leadership, recognizing that the fulfillment of each student’s potential relies on leaders committed to that success.

If you have experience as a strategic leader and with public policy advocacy at the local, state, or federal level, NASSP would love to hear from you. We recognize that education must meet the needs of its students where they are, and we are looking for passionate and committed education leaders like you to shape and impact the future for all students.

As a school leader, you already have an extensive professional network that includes educators, business leaders, and policymakers. On the board, you will be encouraged to share NASSP’s vision with your connections in order to make meaningful changes in our communities and impact broader policies.

In addition, you will be encouraged to share your experience in financial management oversight, budget responsibility, and fiscal accountability with the board, as well as further develop your strategic, business, and financial acumen.

Membership on the NASSP board is both a collaborative and encouraging experience. Our members work together to accomplish the board’s work, making it an ideal opportunity to further the mission of NASSP with your unique passions and skill sets.

“I collaborate with principals all over the United States,” Martinez says. “How often do you get to do that? We get to bounce ideas off one another, gain a sounding board, and talk to people who are going through what we are going through. My fellow board members just understand. These are my peers and trusted colleagues.”

“Not only am I a voice for principals, but I’m also an advocate for all students at the secondary level.”


—Raquel Martinez, principal of Isaac Stephens Middle School in Pasco, WA, and NASSP Board of Directors member

Serving on the board is a major undertaking, but you’ll have support and guidance every step of the way. NASSP leadership recognizes that learning is fundamental to our growth and development at both the individual and organizational levels. We’re committed to assisting our members and board of directors to be the best they can be for students and for education.

You have dedicated your life to serving your local and school community, and as a board member, you will expand your experience by acting in the best interests of NASSP as a national organization, rather than as a member of a particular constituency, state, region, or local special interest group.

“When you’re on the board, you know you have a voice in the organization,” Martinez says. “It’s so valuable.”

Complete Your Nomination by May 17

The NASSP Board of Directors selection process is competency-based in addition to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To complete your nomination, visit www.nassp.org/nominations. All nominations must be received by May 17, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. (ET).

Sidebar: Expectations to Serve

When you commit to the board, you will:

  • Be an active member serving as a current principal or assistant principal.
  • Be willing to act in the best interests of NASSP.
  • Be willing to attend and participate in the board’s work for a three-year term.
  • Demonstrate a proven interest in the mission of NASSP.
  • Protect NASSP assets and provide financial oversight by assisting in annual budget development and ensuring proper financial controls are in place.
  • Avoid even the appearance of conflict and disclose any potential conflicts.
  • Exhibit the characteristics sought by NASSP as reflected in the board of directors candidate profile.