• Overview
• Eligibility
• How to Apply
• Rubric
• More Information

 Procedures

Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity, and the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools may select one middle school level assistant principal and one high school level assistant principal to represent their state.

The state association executive director in each state must identify the state winner(s) and “send” the finalized online application to NASSP for consideration. All state winners must use the official online NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year application form; no other forms will be accepted.

Each state affiliate determines its own application deadline, selection process and announcement date. Each applicant must contact his or her state affiliate to inquire about application procedures and requirements.

If you have questions regarding the application form or process, email [email protected].

In 2025 NASSP will expand its program by recognizing both Middle Level and High School Awardees.

• NASSP National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year
• NASSP National High School Assistant Principal of the Year

Important Dates

Recognition for State Honorees

Each state assistant principal of the year will be recognized and honored by their state association. The nature of the recognition and honors vary by state.

The finalists for National Assistant Principal of the Year are announced in early Spring 2025. The National Assistant Principal of the Year is selected from these finalists.

The 2025 National Assistant Principals of the Year will be announced in April 2025. 

National Selection

Judging for the National Assistant Principal of the Year is conducted virtually by reviewing applications online. Three finalists for both middle level and high school level NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year award will be selected from among eligible state assistant principals of the year by a judging panel composed of national leaders in education, state affiliate executive directors and staff members of NASSP and other national educational associations.  From this distinguished group of finalists, one National Assistant Principal of the Year will be selected for middle level and high school.

The selection of the National Assistant Principals of the Year is final.

National Principal of the Year and the National Assistant Principal of the Year is the highest honor NASSP awards to our school leaders.  As such, finalists and winners of these prestigious awards are expected to always conduct themselves in manner that reflect positively upon NASSP and the principalship in general.  Any conduct that does not comport with these standards, or that otherwise harms the reputation of NASSP or the profession, in NASSP’s sole judgment, may result in the immediate disqualification from the application process and/or the revocation of the award.

Please note that NASSP Board of Directors and staff, and their immediate family members, are ineligible to receive NASSP scholarships, grants, and/or recognition awards.​