10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Membership This School Year
Most school leaders probably have a pretty long to-do list at the start of the school year. Whether it’s meetings with staff, adjusting schedules, or a whole host of other responsibilities. But it’s worth stepping back and taking time to see how you can make the year a little easier on yourself.
NAESP has a wide range of resources and benefits designed to help you do your job more easily, effectively, and to grow as a leader. With publications such as Principal magazine, professional liability insurance, and online and in person events, there’s no shortage of ways you can get the support you need. To get you started, here’s just 10 ways you can maximize your membership with NAESP:
1. Know Your Zone
NAESP is a national organization that’s divided into zones, each led by a practicing school principal. These leaders serve as the voice of the members in their zones, and they want to hear from you. Learn More
2. Find Community
NAESP’s Communities of Practice offer you the opportunity to network with other principals and assistant principals. By joining a community, you will be able to connect with school leaders from across the country who serve as a support network, sounding board, and resource hub. Learn More
3. Access Member Discounts
Through your membership in NAESP, you can save big on brands that you know and love, such as Apple, Target, and Kohl’s. Planning a vacation? Access discounts on travel, hotels, and theme parks. Plus, get deals on tech, school supplies, restaurants, gym memberships, and more. Visit naesp.enjoymydeals.com to learn more.
4. Update Your Member Profile
A new school year is the perfect time to make sure your member profile is up to date! Whether you’ve started at a new school or in a new role or will be returning to the same school, it’s important to double-check your contact information so you can stay informed and updated on important NAESP initiatives, benefits, and resources. Update Now
5. Follow NAESP on Social
One big way to stay connected to NAESP’s resources and events while building community is through NAESP’s social media accounts. Here’s where to find us:
X | Bluesky | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
Plus, we’ve made it easy to share NAESP posts and resources through our Social Press Kit.
6. Become a Mentor
The NAESP Mentor Training and Certification Program culminates in a national mentorship credential for its graduates. Now’s your chance to formally mentor the next generation of school leaders. Here are the training dates for the 2025–2026 school year:
Leadership Immersion Institute Mentor Training
Mentor Recertification Training
- October 30, 2025 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET, 1 – 4 p.m. ET
- March 12, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET, 1 – 4 p.m. ET
7. Take Advantage of Professional Learning
NAESP offers a suite of online learning options including the Leadership Conversations series, a webinar series, and the NAESP Principal Podcast, all of which feature insightful conversations from peers and thought leaders in education. Learn More
8. Show Your Pride
Showing your pride for NAESP is easy at the NAESP Store. Choose from apparel, bags, towels, hats, and accessories—all embroidered with the NAESP logo. It’s a great gift idea for the NAESP member in your life, too, with lots of options to suit any principal or AP’s style, or gift cards so they can shop for themselves. Learn More
9. Start a Student Council
Growing student leadership through the American Student Council Association helps kids reap big rewards academically and personally by exhibiting leadership, developing civic responsibility, and growing their organizational and planning skills. Learn More
10. Save the Date
Make plans now to attend the NAESP annual summer conference at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, July 13–15, 2026. Join fellow school leaders from across the country for three days of inspiration, connection, and practical strategies you can use in your leadership, all in a setting that brings a little extra magic to your leadership journey. Learn More
