The MetLife/NASSP Principal of the Year program began in 1993 as a means to recognize outstanding middle level and high school principals.  The program honors middle level and secondary school principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as their exemplary contributions to the profession.

One middle level and high school principal are selected from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity. From these state winners, six finalists are selected (3 middle level and 3 high school) to become eligible for the National Principal of the Year award.                                                    

MetLife and NASSP will present each state winner with an award at our annual Principals Institute and Awards Banquet held in Washington, D.C. The National Principals of the Year (1 middle level and 1 high school) will receive a $5,000 grant and the four finalists will be awarded a $1,500 grant.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years experience as a principal, headmaster, or similar school leader in a public or private middle level or high school
• NASSP member
• NASSP state-affiliate member -  GASSP or GAMSP

Selection Criteria

 The State and National Principal of the Year Awards programs annually recognize outstanding secondary school leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. These principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession. The programs honor secondary school principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas addressed by the selection criteria. The following selection criteria reflect the themes outlined in Breaking Ranks II and Breaking Ranks in the Middle.

Collaborative Leadership

• Involves teachers, staff members, parents, students, and the community in achieving the goals of the school
• Provides direction or focus to achieve the school's goals as a member of the school's leadership team
• Models continuous professional growth
• Teaches, coaches, and assists others in professional development that focuses on student learning
• Maintains an instructional focus while managing administrative tasks
• Utilizes effective problem-solving techniques

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Improves teaching and learning by implementing programs and improvement efforts for student achievement
• Observes, supervises, and evaluates teachers and instructional programs to maximize the learning opportunities both for every teacher and for every student
• Analyzes multiple sources of data to improve instructional practices and outcomes for student achievement
• Demonstrates knowledge of learning, teaching, research and programs that maximize student performance
• Facilitates in developing and maintaining co-curricular programs that complement the curriculum while fostering students' academic success

Personalization

• Establishes and maintains a positive school climate that reflects high student and staff morale
• Interacts professionally and tactfully with others
• Creates structures that enable teachers to develop an appreciation for each student's abilities
• Acknowledges achievement or accomplishments of students, teachers, and school community
• Communicates effectively orally and in writing
• Models values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance
• Develops and maintains dialogue with representatives of diverse community groups

MetLife and NASSP would like to congratulate those principals who have demonstrated excellence as defined in the selection criteria and have been selected by their state association as the 2008 State Principals of the Year.