Leadership & Governance

NAESP’s Officers and Board of Directors lead the Association by establishing goals and priorities, provide fiscal oversight, and make all policy decisions. Their leadership and influence on issues of policy and practice aim to keep our nation’s schools on track and headed in the right direction. 

Open Board Positions

Vice President:

• NAESP Officers serve the first year as Vice-President, the second year as President-Elect, and the third year as President.
• Contact Jennifer Shannon to receive a prospective candidate data form.
  • The deadline to submit is Oct. 1, 2020.

Directors in Zones 5, 7, and 9:

• Three-year term of office beginning Aug. 1, 2021–July 31, 2024
• Determine your Zone eligibility based on your region
• Contact Jennifer Shannon to receive a prospective candidate data form.
  • The deadline to submit is Nov. 1, 2020.

Director At Large, Minority:

• Three-year term of office beginning Aug. 1, 2021–July 31, 2024
• Contact Jennifer Shannon to receive a prospective candidate data form.
  • The deadline to submit is Nov. 1, 2020.

Key Documents:

• NAESP Bylaws
• Overview of Open Board Positions
• Zone Map

For information on how to apply and other questions, contact NAESP Governance Services Director Jennifer Shannon.

State Leaders

NAESP maintains relationships with state affiliate organizations, in some cases, offering joint membership in both the state and national organization. Review the list of state organizations here, and review state/national engagement roles below.

NAESP State Representatives

NAESP State Reps serve as liaisons between NAESP and their state associations. In addition to coordinating NAESP membership campaigns within their respective states, the NAESP State Reps deliver regular NAESP updates to the state associations’ Executive Directors, Board of Directors, and key staff. Here is a list of current State Representatives.

For more information, contact Jackie McGrail.

State Editors

Individuals who perform communications duties for state affiliate organizations are invited to join the State Editors group. The State Editors community serves a critical role of sharing information, resources, and best practices. The group meets virtually, and at NAESP’s annual conference and National Leaders Conference.

For more information, contact Kaylen Tucker.

Committees

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee plays a very important leadership role in helping NAESP to make significant and meaningful advances in our efforts to grow and deliver a highly valued member experience. The work of the Membership Committee will help us anticipate and meet the emerging needs of elementary and middle-level principals nationwide. The Membership Committee’s guidance can help strengthen NAESP’s value proposition to members and identify programs and services that will help members succeed at every stage in their career.

NAESP is currently seeking members in Zones 2, 6, and 8. If you are interested in serving on the Membership Committee, please contact your zone director.

Key Documents:

• Membership Committee Job Description

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is intended to assure NAESP members of three essential elements: nomination of the best qualified on-line principals and assistant principals as candidates, representation of minorities among the officers of the Association, and a fair and open nomination process. The Nominating Committee serves as a selection committee to ensure there are at least (2) candidates for Vice President.

If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee, please contact your zone director.

Key Documents:

• Nominating Committee Job Description
• Selection of the Nominating Committee
• Guidelines for Nominating Committee

Resolutions Committee

The National Association for Elementary School Principals’ Platform serves as the statement of beliefs for the Association and its membership of elementary and middle-level principals. NAESP’s advocacy staff works to shape Congress’ and the U.S. Department of Education’s policies based on the belief statements included in the platform document. The Resolutions Committee meets annually to update the resolutions that make up the NAESP Platform and initiate new resolutions to accurately reflect the realities of the principalship. The proposed resolutions and changes are presented to the NAESP Board of Directors for approval at their March board meeting.

NAESP is currently seeking members in Zones 5, 6, and 9.

If you are interested in serving on the Resolutions Committee, please contact your zone director.

Key Documents:

• Reslutions Committee Job Description
• Resolutions Committee Timeline

Advisors

Professional Learning Advisory Council (PLAC)

This committee is comprised of volunteers who contribute time and creative energy to enable the NAESP organization to gain feedback and understanding from active members regarding the relevant needs of national principals. Virtual conversations will be held quarterly. Principal volunteers will find the experience to be personally and professionally rewarding knowing they are making worthwhile contributions to expand leadership and powerfully impact student and adult learning. Contact leadership@naesp.org for more information.

Editorial Advisers

To keep NAESP’s publications at the forefront of education issues and trends, the Association has established a group of editorial advisers. This group assists NAESP by:

• Suggesting themes and articles for Principal and other publications;
• Writing articles and one book review per year;
• Contributing to conference news; and
• Providing honest feedback on publications and other NAESP services.

Editorial advisers are asked to make a three-year commitment. Being an editorial adviser takes a limited amount of time each month, and all advisers are recognized in the masthead of Principal. All applicants must currently be members of NAESP. Though NAESP is currently not seeking editorial advisers, information on how to apply will be posted on this page when positions are made available.

NAESP opens the call for applications each summer.

Digital Leadership Ambassadors

NAESP’s Digital Leadership Ambassador Program has been developed to enhance NAESP’s social media and digital engagement. This volunteer advisory group serves to amplify NAESP’s existing digital footprint by extending NAESP’s reach. The Ambassadors help execute targeted communications plans in membership, advocacy, and professional learning.

For more information, contact Kaylen Tucker.  

Writing

No one knows a principal’s job better than you do. You know the challenges, rewards, and strategies for successful principal leadership. How about sharing some of that knowledge? Writing for Principal is a great way to contribute to the principalship and to enhance your own professional development. In addition to publishing principal voices, we also welcome submissions from other education professionals.

Click here for the editorial calendar and submission guidelines.