School leaders across the nation work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure the success and well-being of each student and adult in their learning communities. The entire month of October—designated each year as National Principals Month—is designed to honor them for all they do.
This year, the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) are taking this initiative a step further—we are advocating for real change to improve the principalship.
National Principals Month calls on district leaders, policymakers, teachers, parents, students, and fellow principals to raise awareness across the country. It’s time we stand with our school leaders to increase their decision-making authority, expand their professional development opportunities, increase their pay, combat shortages, improve their working conditions and more—all to combat the growing, nationwide issue of principal shortages.
Start honoring and advocating for your principal by participating in a few of the following ways:
For Principals and District Leaders
- Shadowing Visits: Invite elected officials, policymakers, members of the media, or others to shadow principals for a day and experience their responsibilities and challenges firsthand.
- Advocate: Send a message to your members of Congress asking them to address nationwide shortages in the teacher and principal professions and give schools the tools, resources, and support they need.
- Media Relations: Send a press release or submit a “letter to the editor” to your local newspaper about National Principals Month.
- #PrinLeaderChat: Follow the #PrinLeaderChat on Twitter to join the conversation with fellow principals about the hottest topics affecting education today.
For Teachers, Parents, and Students
- Student Video Contest: Create a fun, unique, one-minute video that highlights why your principal deserves recognition and support. Deadline to submit is October 7, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
- Superintendent Letters: Write letters to the superintendent showing support of your principal. Use specific examples of things they have done to make the school successful.
- Weekly Celebrations: Provide a weekly treat, create a scrapbook, write notes of appreciation—anything that shows your gratitude and celebrates your principal.
- E-Cards: Send your principal an e-card to thank them for the hard work they put in each and every day.
How you will recognize your principal this October? Join the charge and advocate for school leaders everywhere.