National Outstanding Assistant Principal 2026
Applications for 2026 are now being accepted and must be complete by December 15, 2025.
The Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals are committed to preparing assistant principals to step into the principal role. Recognition for the exceptional leadership of the men and women who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of pre-K–8 schools instills pride in their accomplishments and reinforces their leadership in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.
CRITERIA
- Applicants must be a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals at the time of nomination and must maintain membership through July 31, 2026.
- Applicants must be an active assistant principal at the time of nomination.
- Applicants must be an active assistant principal for at least two years.
- Applicants must contribute to the well-being of the educational community.
- Applicants must contribute to a positive and motivating environment for others.
- Applicants must have a strong record of service (in both school and community) and be recognized as a leader.
- Applicants must exhibit exceptional leadership in a particular school program and/or is heavily involved in finding a solution to a problem faced by the school.
Public and private school elementary and middle-level assistant principals must apply for the award via the online portal. A panel of MAESP members will review and select Maryland's winner.
Honorees will be awarded complimentary registration to the 2026 NAESP conference in Orlando, FL. (July 13-15).
Outstanding Assistant Principal applications for Maryland must be complete by December 15, 2025 in order for our Awards Committee to submit Maryland's winner to NAESP by February 6, 2026.
Applicants must use the online portal to submit all documentation. No additional documentation should be submitted or will be accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr. Christopher Wooleyhand, Executive Director at chriswooleyhand@maesp.org or Tracy Hilliard at tracy.hilliard@fcps.org