Senator Al Franken (D-MN), a constant champion for principals, introduced and successfully passed on September 12, S. Res 552, a bipartisan resolution recognizing the month of October 2012 as "National Principals Month." This resolution was cosponsored by Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Mark Begich (D-AK), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Carl Levin (D-MI), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA).

A Congressional resolution has officially recognized the month of October as National Principals Month since 2009, when the honor began. NAESP and the National Association of Secondary School Principals worked collaboratively on the Senate resolution as well as the House resolution, H. Res. 781, which also recognizes October 2012 as National Principals Month thanks to the strong support for principals from Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA).

In addition to the Congressional resolutions, NAESP hosts the 2012 National Distinguished Principals program in Washington, D.C. in October, which honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals. Look for more ways to celebrate the work of principals in your community as well as a special National Principal Month activity soon.