Principals from Across the Nation to Gather in Chicago for NAESP’s 100th Anniversary Celebration and Pre-K–8 Principals Conference
After a year of uncertainty, principals will come together in person to prepare for post-pandemic leadership.
June 23, 2021—Alexandria, VA—Elementary and middle-level principals from across the nation will gather July 8-10 in Chicago for the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Pre-K–8 Principals Conference. The conference is a significant one in the history of public education—marking 100 years of service for the association and a return to relative normalcy after a year of school closures due to COVID-19.
#NAESP21 is the largest national conference for elementary and middle-level principals. With a laser focus on Pre-K through grade 8 school leaders, the conference will address topics aligned to the Professional Standards for Education Leaders, such as equity, engagement, and building professional capacity.
Preconference activities begin July 7 with sessions geared toward assistant principals, early career principals, and veteran principals. Visit the conference website for a full list of sessions. Highlights of this year’s conference will include:
Insight from Education Experts. Some of the brightest minds in education will share fresh thinking and innovative strategies to return to in-person learning this fall. Keynote speakers are Baruti Kafele, a highly regarded urban educator who has distinguished himself as a master teacher and a transformational school leader; Ruby Payne, an educator and author best known for her work on the culture of poverty and its relation to education; and Dan Heath, who is an innovative business thought leader and The New York Times best-selling author.
A Century of NAESP. In 2021, NAESP celebrates 100 years as a member association—and launches into its next century as the largest community for elementary and middle-level principals. On this landmark occasion, we embrace our rich history and generate momentum toward our exciting future. Learn more about NAESP history.
Honoring the Nation’s Best Principals and Assistant Principals. NAESP is pleased to honor the 2020 class of NAESP National Distinguished Principals as well as the 2020 and 2021 classes of National Outstanding Assistant Principals.
The Centers for Advancing Leadership. Learn about the Centers for Diversity Leadership, Innovative Leadership, Women in Leadership, and Middle-Level Leadership through highly energetic sessions led by the center fellows. These sessions will enable conference attendees to expand their principal networks and share innovative ideas they have used to move their leadership and their schools well beyond the status quo.
The conference experience will also feature an Exhibit Hall, which includes industry-leading vendors with innovative services and products for schools.
Conference attendees will share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #NAESP21.
For more information on NAESP’s annual conference, visit www.naespconference.org. Contact Kaylen Tucker (ktucker@naesp.org) for press credentials or interviews.
