Media Contact:
Kaylen Tucker, NAESP
ktucker@naesp.org
703-518-6257

NAESP Recognizes Nation’s Top K-8 Principals During National Principals Month

Fifty-eight principals will travel to the Washington, D.C. program to be honored for outstanding leadership.

ALEXANDRIA, VA–September 27, 2016–Outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the nation and abroad have been named 2016 National Distinguished Principals (NDPs) by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The K-8 principals will be honored October 7 at an awards banquet in Washington, D.C.

Established in 1984, the two-day NDP celebration program, which will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel, recognizes public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The principals will also have the opportunity to share best practices. The 58 principal honorees are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools.

NAESP Executive Director Gail Connelly congratulated the class of outstanding principals, noting their significant influence on the students, schools, and communities they serve. “Principals are uniquely positioned to impact the academic, social, and emotional success of all students,” she said. “These exceptional leaders have proven their commitment to providing a high-quality, well-rounded education in their schools. The National Distinguished Principals program recognizes these well-deserving principals for their extraordinary passion, dedication, and contribution to their schools, their students, and their communities.”

It is particularly fitting to acknowledge the work of principals in October because it is National Principals Month, which was established to recognize and honor the contributions of school principals toward the success of the nation’s students, and encourage awareness of their significance.

NOTE: A list of the 2016 NDPs and their biographical information can be accessed at www.naesp.org/2016-class-national-distinguished-principals. To request an interview with the honored principals or to attend and cover the October 7 banquet, contact Kaylen Tucker at ktucker@naesp.org or 703-518-6257.

###

Established in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) leads in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle school principals in the United States and internationally. NAESP supports principals as the primary catalysts for creating lasting foundations for learning through policy and professional development, advocacy, programs, and resources for effective instructional leadership. NAESP advances the profession on behalf of all principals, providing specialized support and mentoring for early career principals. Key focus areas include pre-K-3 education, school safety, technology and digital learning, and capacity-building educator evaluation. For more information about NAESP, please visit www.naesp.org.