2026 NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP) Application
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~ Program Background ~

The National Distinguished Principal® (NDP) program was established in 1984 to recognize elementary and middle level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities. The program was based on three fundamental ideas:

  • Children’s attitudes towards learning and their perceptions of themselves as lifelong learners are established in the beginning school years.
  • The scope and quality of children’s educational experiences are determined primarily by the school principal, who establishes, through the important work of teachers and the support of caring parents, the character of a particular school’s program.
  • The dedication and enthusiasm of the outstanding principals who guide children’s early education experiences should be acknowledged to both show appreciation for their work as well as to allow them to serve as models for others in the field.

~ Process ~

Each year, NDPs represent pre-K–8 public schools from all across the country, as well as principals of schools from the United States Departments of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Public school elementary and middle-level principals are nominated by peers in their state, and final selections are made by committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees.

The National Distinguished Principals® (NDP) awards ceremonies are held each fall in Washington, D.C. Specific dates, hotel site, and details regarding scheduled activities will be mailed to award recipients in June. NAESP underwrites the costs for two nights of hotel accommodations for each honoree. Honorees are responsible for transportation costs and all other related expenses, including any additional nights of lodging in connection with their trip to Washington.

The 2026 program will begin November 2026 and all state-selected honorees must be submitted to NAESP by May 8, 2026. We invite all state affiliates to submit up to two honorees - one elementary and one middle-level - for recognition on the national level. All selected awardees must submit a professional, digital photograph (a “headshot” with a plain, color background) at 300 dpi or higher. A roster of 2026 award winners will be featured on the NAESP website.

~ Application - Downloadable PDF ~

2026 NAESP NDP Application

 

~ Criteria ~

Criteria established by NAESP require that the individual is a practicing principal with at least five years’ experience in the principalship, who plans to continue as a practicing principal. The principal must demonstrate evidence of outstanding contributions to the community and education profession and:

  • Be a member of NAESP for at least one year at the time of nomination to NAESP and maintain membership through the conclusion of the NAESP NDP Award Ceremony;
  • Be a practicing principal at the time of nomination;
  • Has been a building principal (not assistant principal) for five years;
  • Is clearly committed to excellence;
  • Leads a school that has programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students; and
  • Has firm ties to parents and the community.

PLEASE NOTE

Elementary school NDP candidates must be principals of schools with students in either grades pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, or 4, though older students may attend as well.

Middle level school NDP candidates must be principals of schools with students in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and/or 8 only.

~ Inquiries and Additional Information ~

For further information about the National Distinguished Principals® (NDP) program, contact:

Nikki Sparks
Assistant Executive Director, Executive Services and Recognition Programs
nsparks@naesp.org  | ndp@naesp.org | 703-518-6268
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