Educators know better than anyone the importance volunteering and serving as a leader makes in our communities. As a membership organization, NAESP looks to its members to guide its priorities to ensure we’re laser focused on the right publications, resources, programs, and events for leaders at all levels of their careers.

We’re excited to announce opportunities for members to get more involved with NAESP, and we invite you to apply to get involved with NAESP in a way that works with your strengths and passions.

NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership

As part of NAESP’s commitment to provide leadership opportunities for our members, we are pleased to announce that we are seeking NAESP members to serve as fellows leading the work of our Centers for Advancing Leadership. The NAESP Centers for Advancing Leadership provide focused learning and development for elementary and middle-level school leaders throughout the nation.

Each center is led by fellows who are well-respected, experienced leaders with a track record of connecting with colleagues and creating powerful professional networks. The role of the fellows is to facilitate learning and professional growth related to current and emerging issues; identify and share best practices, current research, and resources; promote the essential leadership role of the principal; and create a network of colleagues with an interest in expanding their learning.

The following centers will welcome a new fellow to the team, effective Aug. 1, 2025, for a three-year term:

• Center for Diversity Leadership, joining fellow Sharon Porter, Ed.D.
• Center for Middle-Level Leadership, joining fellow Katy Kennedy.

Apply to be a fellow with the Centers for Advancing Leadership by June 16, 2025. For questions or assistance, email Katie Earley at kearley@naesp.org.

Professional Learning Advisory Council

NAESP is currently seeking 15-20 interested school leaders to serve on the Professional Learning Advisory Council (PLAC). PLAC enables NAESP to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of principals nationally. Insight and feedback from PLAC help drive the planning and implementation of NAESP professional learning program offerings and the annual conference.

Being a member of PLAC requires a two-year commitment and attending quarterly meetings. All applicants must be members of NAESP.

Apply to be part of PLAC by July 18, 2025.

Editorial Advisory Board

To keep NAESP’s publications at the forefront of education issues and trends, NAESP established the Editorial Advisory Board—a group of 30 principals and assistant principals from across the country. Advisors assist NAESP by:

• Suggesting themes and articles for Principal and other publications;
• Writing articles, blog posts, and book talks;
• Contributing to conference news coverage; and
• Providing honest feedback on publications and other NAESP services.

Advisors are asked to make a three-year commitment. Being an advisor takes a limited amount of time each month, and all advisers are recognized in the masthead of Principal magazine. All applicants must be members of NAESP.

Apply to be part of the NAESP Editorial Advisory Board by July 25, 2025.