National Aspiring Principals Academy (NAPA)

Are you a teacher leader, an assistant principal, or an early career principal searching for quality professional learning to take your leadership to the next level? Are you a district leader committed to building a strong, diverse principal pipeline? NAPA will support these goals.

Program Overview

NAPA is a joint partnership between NAESP, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Delivered by nationally recognized educational leaders and mentors, NAPA is a yearlong cohort-based academy designed  to support aspiring, assistant, and early career principals in attaining the essential skills and practices needed to advance to the next level  of leadership.

Academy and Registration Details

NAPA prepares aspiring and early career principals to lead forward with creativity, vision, and an eye on equity. Based on the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders, the academy uses an applied approach that includes addressing lessons learned in real time. Curriculum topics include:

  • Framing the Principal Role: Knowing Yourself and Your Leadership Strengths and Areas for Growth 
  • Leading for Equity with Urgency
  • Understanding Governance
  • Building a Community of Support
  • Balancing Leadership
  • Leading Learning

  • April 3, 2023 – registration open
  • October 16, 2023 – registration deadline
  • October 25-26, 2023 – virtual opening cohort meeting, 5:00-7:30 pm ET
  • November 29, 2023 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • December 11, 2023 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • January 31, 2024 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • February 21, 2024 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • March 27, 2024 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • April 10, 2024 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • May 8, 2024 – virtual cohort meeting, 5:00-7:00 pm ET
  • June 24-25, 2024 – closing cohort meeting/graduation in Alexandria, VA

The cost to participate in the National Aspiring Principals Academy cohort is $3,500 per person, due at the time of registration. The academy registration fee is payable by credit card, check, or purchase order. The registration fee includes all training, course materials, learning management system, and meals for in-person sessions. Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and travel expenses for in-person sessions.

If you have questions about future cohort availability or other aspects of NAPA, please contact Katie Earley at kearley@naesp.org or 703-518-6264.

Deadline approaching for NAESP Pre-K-8 Principals Conference call for proposals.Submit a proposal by Dec. 8.