National Distinguished Principal

General Program Information

Being recognized as a National Distinguished Principal is the highest praise a principal can receive from his or her peers in the profession. The National Distinguished Principals (NDP) program honors exemplary elementary and middle-level principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. National Distinguished Principals are honored in Washington, D.C., each fall.

Criteria

PK-8 principals may be nominated by their peers, their employers, their faculty members, or members of their communities. Nominees for this prestigious award must meet all criteria for selection as a National Distinguished Principal. The selected principal:

• Is an active principal of a school in which a commitment to excellence is clearly evident through programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students, and through firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations;
• Has been an active principal for at least five years;
• Will be an active principal during the year in which he/she will receive the award;
• Shows a strong commitment to the principalship through active membership in professional associations (must be a TEPSA and NAESP member for three consecutive years in order to apply);
• Is respected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large;
• Assumes an active role in his/her community, distinguishing himself/herself as a leader in civic, religious, or humanitarian activities;
• Shows strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students;
• Maintains an orderly, purposeful learning environment.