The Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) announced today a new collaborative partnership designed to elevate and empower middle level education leaders nationwide.

Recognizing the essential role of middle schools in shaping student success and strengthening entire school systems, the two organizations are joining forces to expand professional learning and leadership development for those serving students aged 10-15.

Speaking at AMLE25: The 52^nd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education, Dr. Stephanie Patton, Chair of the AMLE Board of Trustees, said, “As a superintendent, I see the difference that strong, supported middle schools make across an entire district. And I see how much stronger we can be when we lead from the middle—together. This partnership with NAESP allows us to bring the collective power of our two organizations to support middle level leaders in meaningful, lasting ways.”

The partnership will focus on several joint initiatives, including:

• A National Aspiring Principal Academy Partnership to strengthen the leadership pipeline for future middle level administrators.
• Reciprocal complimentary memberships for eligible AMLE and NAESP members to encourage cross-organizational engagement and collaboration.
• Collaborative publishing projects that elevate the voices and expertise of middle level educators.
• A dedicated middle level strand at the National School Leaders Conference powered by NAESP, co-developed with AMLE.
• Joint presentations and shared learning experiences at both organizations’ annual conferences.

“We are incredibly proud to enter into this partnership with AMLE,” said April Knight, President of NAESP and principal of Avondale Elementary School in Columbus, Ohio. “Together, we can expand the reach and depth of professional learning opportunities for middle level educators and Pre-K–8 school leaders. Ultimately, this collaboration is about ensuring every student benefits from strong, well-supported leadership at the middle level.”

More details about the partnership, including opportunities for members to participate in upcoming initiatives, will be announced in the coming months.

“We truly are better together,” added Patton. “This partnership represents a powerful step forward for the field of middle level education, and we can’t wait to share more with our members and the broader education community.”

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About the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE)
Founded in 1973, the Association for Middle Level Education is the world’s largest international organization dedicated to helping middle grades educators reach every student, grow professionally, and create great schools for every young adolescent. Learn more at www.amle.org.

About the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
Founded in 1921, NAESP serves elementary and middle-level principals and other education leaders in the United States, Canada, and overseas. NAESP’s mission is to lead in the advocacy and support of effective, high-quality education for all children by empowering principals as visionary leaders. Visit www.naesp.org for more information.