The National Association of Elementary School Principals is seeking top elementary and middle school leaders for its annual National Distinguished Principals program.

Co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the NDP program is designed to obtain national recognition for exemplary public and private elementary and middle level principals; inspire the educational community to pay tribute to its outstanding leaders; increase public awareness of the importance of the principalship through broad media coverage of the event; and offer the opportunity for professionals serving both public and private schools, stateside and overseas, to meet and share their experiences in solving problems and meeting common goals.

National Distinguished Principals meet the following criteria:

• is an active principal of a school in which a commitment to excellence is clearly evident through programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students, and through firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations;

• has been an active principal for at least five years;

• will be an active principal during the year in which he/she will receive the award;

• shows a strong commitment to the principalship through active membership in professional associations;

• is respected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large;

• assumes an active role in his/her community, distinguishing himself/herself as a leader in civic, religious, or humanitarian activities;

• shows strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students;

• maintains an orderly, purposeful learning environment.

In addition, evidence of outstanding contributions to the well-being of the educational community include:

• ways in which the principal’s leadership has benefited curriculum, staff morale, community support, student interest, and the learning environment;

• ways in which the principal provides creative leadership to inspire teachers and others to achieve and contribute to the school environment;

• examples of service or achievements above and beyond what is expected in the usual school program;

• ways in which others have acknowledged the principal as a force for positive change.

Nominations for the NDP program are made through ACSA, NAESP’s state affiliate for California. Finalists are selected by May 15, 2009, and will be honored during an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. in the fall.

To download a nomination packet, visit NAESP online at www.naesp.org. For more information or to submit nominations, contact ACSA’s Kelly Moreno at kmoreno@acsa.org.