The National Distinguished Principals (NDP) program was established in 1984 as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle-level principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years.

Being recognized as an NDP is not only a prestigious accomplishment; it is the highest praise a principal can receive from his or her peers in the profession.

The NDP program takes place in Washington, D.C., each fall. Honorees enjoy special tours and activities as well as networking opportunities with the other honorees and dignitaries. The two-day celebration culminates in a formal awards banquet. The NDP program is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School in corporate partnership with VALIC.

To Nominate a Principal
To nominate an elementary or middle-level public school principal for the National Distinguished Principals program, complete the nomination form and application packet and contact your NAESP state affiliate.

Selection Criteria
Principals can be nominated by their peers, their employers, their faculty members, or members of their communities; the final selection for each NDP is then made by NAESP state affiliates. Honorees from private schools and overseas are selected by special committees. 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;
• 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.

Evidence of outstanding contributions to the well-being of the educational community include:

• Ways in which the principal's leadership has benefited curriculum, staff morale, community support, student interest, and the learning environment;
• Ways in which the principal provides creative leadership to inspire teachers and others to achieve and contribute to the school environment;
• Examples of service or achievements above and beyond what is expected in the usual school program;
• Ways in which others have acknowledged the principal as a force for positive change.

For more information, contact the NDP program at ndp@naesp.org or call 800-386-2377 (toll-free).