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National Association of Elementary School Principals

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) was founded in 1921 by a group of principals who sought to promote their profession and provide a national forum for their ideas. Since that time NAESP has grown to become the most powerful voice of principals—prekindergarten through grade eight—across the United States and around the world.

NAESP has always been dedicated to ensuring that all children get the best education possible. It serves the professional interests of elementary and middle school principals and promotes the highest professional standards. NAESP provides a peer network of more than 29,500 principals worldwide. The association understands the needs, concerns and problems of elementary and middle school leaders and offers extensive support, expert counsel and proven solutions.

Mission

The mission of the NAESP is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children. In carrying out that mission, NAESP is mindful of two particularly striking research findings. First, children’s early years in school are the most crucial to their future, not only in the classroom but also in life. Second, the key figure in ensuring a top-quality school is the principal.

NAESP makes continuing contributions toward strengthening the principalship and the profession. It does so through cooperation with the institutions that prepare school administrators; through counsel and constructive relationships with governmental bodies at all levels; and through NAESP training programs, publications, conferences and professional meetings aimed at helping aspiring principals reach their goal and practicing principals hone their skills.

Goals

Three-year goals were approved at the July 2000 meeting of the board of directors.

• NAESP members will indicate that NAESP programs, products and services meet or exceed their expectations.

• NAESP will increase membership in the following areas: K–8 principals, other educational leaders, urban, international, middle level, aspiring, retired and assistant principals.

• NAESP will ensure policy and legislation at the federal and state levels that result in the adequate funding and equitable distribution of resources and educational programs that provide for the success of all children.

• NAESP will capitalize on revenue streams that result in the long-term financial stability of NAESP.

• U.S. members of NAESP will develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of international education and engage in ongoing, meaningful relationships with their counterparts all over the world.

• NAESP will be viewed as a valued and respected professional association by international elementary and middle level principals and other educational leaders.

Platform

The “NAESP Platform” is a summary of all resolutions that NAESP delegate assemblies have adopted since 1974. It has been maintained as a living document, constantly reflecting the current beliefs and positions of NAESP members. Created, monitored and revised by association membership through its chosen representatives, the “NAESP Platform” serves as a basis for NAESP strategic action planning in continuing to meet the needs of NAESP members and the principalship.

Organization

NAESP is proud to be an association governed by its members, for its members. The delegate assembly is NAESP’s basic governing body, and delegates are selected by its affiliated state associations and meet annually at its national convention. A 15-member board of directors is elected by the membership. The board oversees the fiscal and program management of the association and adopts policies and procedures accordingly. It includes three officers, directors representing nine geographic zones, a director representing ethnic minorities, a director representing middle schools and an executive director. A professional headquarters staff, located in NAESP’s own building in Alexandria, Virginia, carries out the association’s day-to-day operations.

Membership

The 29,500 members of NAESP provide the administrative and instructional leadership for elementary and middle schools throughout the United States and Canada and overseas. NAESP members include active members, associate members, international associates and aspiring principals.

• Active Members—practicing elementary and middle school principals and assistant principals and related professional educators. (In nearly half the states, NAESP membership requires joint membership with the state association.)

• Associate Members—college and university faculty members and other interested non-principals.

• International Associates—principals, headmasters and others employed outside the United States in professional work related to elementary (primary) and middle school education.

• Aspiring Principals—teachers, students and others interested in becoming principals.

Libraries, schools and other institutions can join NAESP as institutional members in order to receive NAESP periodicals. Emeritus and retired membership categories are also available for active members who have retired.

For more information, contact:

Frederick Brown, Associate Executive Director, Professional Services, National Association of Elementary School Principals, 1615 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3483. 703-518-6275 (phone), 703-518-6281 (fax), fbrown@naesp.org (e-mail), www.naesp.org (Web site).