A program to honor assistant principals in elementary and middle level school leadership
The National Association of Elementary School Principals and MESPA are committed to preparing assistant principals to step into the principal role. With the help of the Pearson Foundation, we honor PreK-8 assistant principals who are doing a superb job in their roles.
This program promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (PreK-8) schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal. NAESP will share their successes and best practices in a practical document for other principals to utilize. A publication entitled “Top Tips for Assistant Principals” will be disseminated to all NAESP members either in print or electronic format. This practical document will represent the voices of assistant principals who have exemplified unique leadership in their schools. It will include all areas of discipline, success stories, tools, and practical solutions.
Eligibility
Candidate is a member of MESPA and NAESP, an active assistant principal, has been an active assistant principal for at least two years, and will be an active assistant principal at time of nomination.
Demonstrates exceptional leadership in a particular school program; is respected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large; and sets high expectations for school staff and students.
To Apply Applicants will submit an application form (scroll down) including:
professional preparation (education)
professional experience
current school data (where employed)
professional activities, awards, and honors
community service
three most significant accomplishments as an assistant principal
three examples of best practices
two school leadership statements.
Applicants also must submit:
two letters of reference (one from your supervisor; and one from a teacher, fellow administrator, or community member)
photo (for media)
3-5 minute video of the two school leadership statements
Applications, photo, video, and references are due in the MESPA office by November 14.
Application Review Applications will be read in November, the afternoon following the MESPA board meeting. The selection committee will be comprised of the: MESPA President-Elect (chair) and 12 MESPA Division Presidents-Elect. The scoring rubric may be similar to the one used for the National Distinguished Principal Program (built around the six national principal standards).
The honor will be awarded during the annual MESPA Institute Awards Program in February.
To download a complete application packet (with application guidelines, timelines, forms, and letters of reference and video requirements -- scroll down).
Application Summary
To download a print-ready summary of the application process, scroll down.
2012 Frank H. Catchings, Jr.
Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.
Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.
Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
