Ed Cosentino
Principal, Phelps Luck Elementary School
Columbia, Maryland
Candidate Statement
Service, Support, and Advocacy
I am honored to have the opportunity to be a candidate for Vice President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Throughout my career, I have been deeply inspired by the collective power of our community—principals, assistant principals, and educational leaders on the local, state, and national levels—coming together to support, advocate for, and elevate our work in shaping the future of education. As an educator and administrator with over 28 years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the immense responsibility and challenges school leaders face. I am running for NAESP Vice President because I am committed to ensuring that NAESP remains a vital resource and a strong voice for principals, assistant principals, and educational leaders nationwide.
Being a principal is both a challenging and rewarding role. Every day, we have the opportunity to profoundly impact our students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Our work is critical in shaping the future, and the growth we see in our students and school communities gives meaning to every challenge we face. At the same time, the weight of our responsibilities can be overwhelming. The demands of the role often leave us feeling isolated as we navigate complex educational landscapes that require constant adaptation and reflection. I have often found myself in these moments of struggle, yet I have never faced these challenges alone, thanks to the sense of community I have found within NAESP and my colleagues around me.
Over the past 13 years, my involvement with NAESP has been transformative. Through this association, I have connected with colleagues and educational leaders across the country who understand the unique demands of school leadership. NAESP has provided me with access to invaluable resources, professional development, and a network of friends and colleagues who share my struggles and triumphs. This network has not only strengthened me as a leader but has also helped me gain a deep perspective on the wide range of needs and experiences of members nationwide. NAESP has been my professional lifeline, and now I am eager to give back to that same community by serving as your Vice President, President-elect, and President.
Service, support, and advocacy have been the cornerstones of my leadership philosophy with my association volunteerism. I have always been dedicated to advocating for my colleagues, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and support necessary to lead effectively in their schools. Serving as the president of both my local and state principal associations has provided me with valuable experience in understanding the needs of educational leaders. Currently, as the Zone 3 Director on the NAESP Board, I have gained a deep understanding of how the association operates, its strengths, and the areas where we can grow to better support our members. I am excited to leverage this experience to advocate for principals and assistant principals at the national level, ensuring that our association remains a strong advocate for educational leadership and an essential resource for school leaders across the country.
I believe our time is now. This moment in education is one of both significant challenges and exciting opportunities. The landscape of leadership is evolving, and as school leaders, we have the opportunity to shape that evolution in ways that will impact generations to come. If I am elected as Vice President, I will focus on continuing to enhance the support we provide to our members. My priorities will include advocating for the unique needs of principals and assistant principals, expanding our membership, and ensuring that NAESP’s resources evolve in response to the changing challenges we face in education. As educational leaders, we constantly adapt to new demands, including the rise of new technology, the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning, and the growing emphasis and importance of social-emotional wellness and equity in schools. These shifts present unique challenges but also opportunities for growth. As Vice President, I will work diligently to ensure that NAESP remains at the forefront of these challenges and opportunities, helping our members navigate this evolving educational landscape.
I believe deeply in NAESP’s mission and am committed to serving the school leaders who make a difference in students’ lives every day. School leaders are at the heart of every thriving educational community, and it would be a true privilege to serve as your Vice President, President-elect, and, ultimately, President. Together, we can continue to advocate for, support, and elevate the work of school leaders, ensuring that every leader has the resources, guidance, and community they need to thrive.
Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve. Our time is now to meet the challenges of the coming years and build a brighter, more equitable future for our students, schools, and communities.
Additional Information
Professional Preparation
- Master’s of Education in Administration and Supervision, Loyola College in Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, 2002
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, 1997
Professional Experience
- Principal, Phelps Luck Elementary School, Columbia, MD 21045, 2023-present
- Principal, Clemens Crossing Elementary School, Columbia, MD 21044, 2015-2023
- Principal, Bushy Park Elementry School, Glenwood, MD 21738, 2012-2015
- Assistant Principal, Bellows Spring Elementary School, Ellicott City, MD 21042, 2006-2012
- Assistant Principal, Hollifield Station Elementary School, Ellicott City, MD 21042, 2003-2006
- Teacher, Hollifield Station Elementary School, Ellicott City, MD 21042, 1997-2003
Professional Affiliations
- National Association of Elementary School Principals, Zone 3 Director, 2022-Present
- National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Taskforce for Race and Equity member, 2020-present
- National Association of Elementary School Principals, Editorial Advisory Board, 2020-present
- National Association of Elementary School Principals, Resolutions Committee, 2018-2021
- Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, Ex-Officio Board Member, 2023-present
- Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, Past-President, 2022
- Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, President, 2020-2021
- Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, Howard County Representative, 2015-present
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Secretary, 2021-present
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Webmaster, 2020-2021
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Past-president, 2019
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, President, 2014-2018
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Vice President, 2012-2014
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Professional Development Representative, 2010-2012
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Treasurer, 2008 – 2010
- Howard County Association of Supervisors and Administrators, Elementary Representative, 2006 – 2008
Other Positions
- Owen Brown Village Board, Executive Board Member and Vice-Chair, 2008 – 2011
- Hickory Hollow Community Association, President, 2001-2003
Professional Accomplishments
- National Distinguished Principal, 2019
- HCPSS Principal of the Year Nominee, 2019
- Best of Howard County Reader’s Favorite Honorable Mention, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Maryland Society for Educator Technology, Leadership Award Nominee, 2019 Maryland Teacher of the Month, December 2000