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MN National Distinguished Principal Program
The National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Program was established in 1984 as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years.
The program is sponsored by MESPA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), in corporate sponsorship with VALIC. The program highlights the fundamental importance of the school principal in achieving educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students.
One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Public school principals are nominated by peers in their home states, and the final selection (based on applications submitted by each nominee) are made by each state's NAESP affiliate. (MESPA selects the Minnesota NDP.) NDP awards ceremonies take place in Washington, D.C., each fall.
2019 NDP Application Materials Now Available!
How to Apply:Nominations Due January 1, 2019 (Word or PDF) – Send nominations to mespa@mespa.net or mail to 1667 Snelling Ave N, Suite C101, St. Paul, MN 55108. You can also nominate using this online form.
Applications Due January 29, 2019 (Word or PDF) – Send completed applications to mespa@mespa.net or mail to 1667 Snelling Ave N, Suite C101, St. Paul, MN 55108.
"Creating a positive school culture for students, staff, and families is the most important work and accomplishment that I do each and every day as a principal.” - Curtis Slater Dr. Steven Geis, principal at North Trail Elementary in Farmington Area Public Schools, described how Slater creates that culture: “[Slater] is one of the most passionate, conscientious, giving, and nurturing educators who holds all, including himself, to the highest standards measurable,” Geis said. “Curt is passionate about creating the best learning environment for his students and community of learners. I truly believe if all our fellow educators emulated his professionalism, we would be the envy of 49 other states.” Click here to read the full press release. |
2018, Curtis Slater, Wyoming | 2005, John Ahem, Roseville | 1994, Teresa (Teri) Edwards, Minneapolis |