2023 National Distinguished Principal® Program Application

Congratulations on your selection as a 2023 NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP)!
Please complete the following application components. As a reminder, all winners must be a current NAESP member with at least three consecutive years of membership at the time of their submission. All applications must be submitted by May 5, 2023.

Please note: This application is not for the collection of state nominations. Only your state’s selected NDP winner(s) should submit their application to this form.

Private Schools: Please have your nominee complete the following application components. Completed applications will be collected and provided to the Private School Selection Committee for final review and consideration.

Please email your selection procedure forms to us at ndp@naesp.org.

For questions, please contact Nikki Sparks at nsparks@naesp.org or 703-518-6268.

NDP - National Distinguished Principals

National Distinguished Principals 2023 Program Application

  • General Information

  • No Prefixes or Titles, please (ex: John H. Smith III)
  • (ex: Matt vs. Matthew)
  • Full state

  • School Contact Information

  • Personal Contact Information

  • Application Packet

  • We do not need best practices, leadership statements, or references in this section.
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    Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 1.

    • Best Practices

      An important component of each NDP program is the compilation of Best Practices used in the schools of our exemplary leaders. Please upload your Best Practices below. Only one is required but you may submit up to five.
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      • School Leadership Statements

        Upload your responses to the four questions regarding your professional beliefs, practices, and accomplishments that qualify you to represent your state or organization as its National Distinguished Principal.
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        Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 1.

        • References

          Each NDP Nominee is asked to secure four letters of reference, one from each of the following persons: an immediate supervisor or superintendent, a fellow administrator, a teacher currently serving on the nominee’s staff, and a parent/ civic/ community leader. Each letter of reference must have a cover page attached. Letters do not need to be in sealed envelopes. Please ensure the references are signed and then scan and upload with the completed cover sheet. You can download the Reference Letter Cover Sheet here.
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                • If all of your references are saved in one document, you may upload it here.
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                  Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 1.

                  • Photo

                  • Your photo MUST be a high-resolution image: at least 300 dpi and 1500 x 2000 pixels (5 x 7 inches). The photo should be a headshot (chest/shoulders up). We highly recommend that you use a professional photo such as your school photo; please do not submit scanned photos, “selfies,” or group shots.
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                    Accepted file types: jpg, png, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 1.

                    • Supervisor's Certification Form

                    • Please upload the Supervisor’s Certification Form here.
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                      Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 1.

                      • Affirmation Statement

                      • Please upload the Affirmation Statement Form here.
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                        Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 1.

                        • Note: After submitting this form, an email confirmation will be sent to your school email including your submitted information. Please save or print the email for your records.

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