October is National Principals Month—a special opportunity to celebrate you! NAESP, the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) join together to thank you, elevate and amplify your voice, and support you as you lead learning communities.

We hope you join us as we recognize the important ways you make a difference in your schools, communities, and beyond. Here are just a few ways you can celebrate this principals month, and support yourself and fellow school leaders:

Honoring Top Principals

This year, we will be recognizing 43 NAESP National Distinguished Principals—36 elementary, five middle-level, and two pre-K-12 principals—for setting high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staff. You can learn more about this year’s class and their inspiring stories and best practices. Learn more.

Host a Legislator for a Day

National Principals Month isn’t just about celebrating, it’s an opportunity to share the principal’s story with policy makers and advocate for the needs of schools and their leaders. Here’s a simple breakdown of how you can invite members of Congress, state legislators, and other elected officials to visit your school and shadow you for a day. Read more.

Join the Conversation on Social Media

On Sunday, Oct. 19, 8 – 8:30 p.m. ET, NAESP is excited to join the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals for a Twitter chat on “How School Leaders Can Navigate AI and Tech Policy.” Use #VAESPChat to follow along. Learn more.

Beyond the Classroom: Leading for Health, Safety, and Tech Balance

Principals are navigating more than ever—student and staff well-being, safe schools, and the rise of AI and cell phone policies. NAESP, AFSA, and NASSP, will be hosting a webinar, “Beyond the Classroom: Leading for Health, Safety, and Tech Balance,” on Monday, Oct. 20, 4 – 5 p.m. ET, focused on tech safety, balance, and the policies and solutions that school leaders need to be aware of. Register now.

For even more ways to celebrate National Principals Month this year, visit principalsmonth.org.