Meet the 2025 NDPs
This year, we recognize 43 National Distinguished Principals: 36 elementary, five middle-level, and two pre-K–12 educators.
2024
The class of 2023 celebrates 37 principals:
2023
The class of 2023 celebrates 37 principals:
2022
The class of 2022 celebrates 41 principals:
2021
The class of 2021 celebrates 40 principals:
2020
The class of 2020 celebrates 50 principals:
2019
The class of 2019 celebrates 61 principals:
2018
The class of 2018 celebrates 62 principals:
2017
The class of 2017 celebrates 62 principals:
2016
The class of 2016 celebrates 58 principals:
Selection & Criteria
Each year, NAESP recognizes Pre-K through grade 8 principals from across the nation, as well as principals in U.S. private schools and those from the United States Departments of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Public school elementary and middle-level principals are nominated by peers in their state, and final selections are made by committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees.
Criteria established by NAESP requires that the individual:
Must have been a member of NAESP for at least one year at the time of nomination and maintain membership through the conclusion of the NAESP Award Ceremony.
Is a practicing principal with at least five years of experience in the principalship.
Plans to continue as a practicing principal.
Must demonstrate evidence of outstanding contributions to the community and to the education profession.
Review the NDP Program Information & Criteria packet or contact Nikki Sparks for more information.