The 2017 National Principals Conference was by all measures a tremendous success. Our intention was to connect great school leaders across all levels. This commitment was born of the thoughts and recommendations of a special Conference 2017 Advisory Committee made up of principals who represented grades preK–12. Their message was to create a conference for all school leaders—a conference that would be more than an event—an unprecedented catalytic experience intended to carry beyond 2017.

When 3,500 school leaders connected in Philadelphia, powerful things happened. For three days, school leaders from all levels experienced the power of unity directed at preparing young people for each step of their educational experience. We thank and appreciate our colleagues at NAESP who worked closely and tirelessly with NASSP to make the first-ever National Principals Conference happen. We collaborated, networked, and grew as associations.

Cynthia Berry, assistant principal at Valley View Community School, echoed many attendees’ sentiments when she said, “The conference was exactly what I needed. … Every session I attended was motivating and uplifting, giving me the inner strength to make a difference.”

We at NASSP were inspired by the energy, passion, and innovation we saw at the conference. This collective drive we witnessed holds us steadfast in our mission to support you as you transform education for the future.

As the premier professional association that focuses specifically on helping principals, assistant principals, and other school leaders advance education, we’re eager to build off of the foundation that was laid at this year’s NPC and keep the momentum going.

That’s why we’ve already begun planning for the 2018 National Principals Conference, to be held in Chicago, July 11–13. Next year’s conference will once again bring together school leaders across the education continuum for a transformational experience that reflects what the future of education looks like: collaborative, innovative, and constantly moving forward.

It will be a conference unlike any other—and we look forward to seeing you there. Updates and registration information will be posted on the National Principals Conference website: www.principalsconference.org.

JoAnn Bartoletti
Executive Director, NASSP