The National Principals Association (NPA)

10/09/2026

Planning your professional learning for 2027? K-12 Dive rounded up the top K-12 conferences to attend next year, including the National Principals Association’s National Principals Conference, taking place Feb. 6–9 in Tampa, Florida.

Connect with fellow school leaders, explore strategies that work, and bring new ideas back to your school community.

Read the full list: https://hubs.la/Q04zNFtb0

Check out https://hubs.la/Q04zNFBr0 to get registered for !

10/08/2026

What does it really take to lead a school well?

For 2026 National High School Principal of the Year Jason Johnson, the answer came from a mentor more than 20 years ago: “Keep it simple.”

In the October issue of Principal Leadership, Johnson reflects on his journey from a first-year principal overwhelmed by every problem on his desk to a leader focused on building strong teams, developing future leaders, and trusting the people around him.

The issue also explores preparation and collaboration, instructional walkthroughs, supporting new leaders, micromanagement, school safety and security, investing in principals, and more.

Read the October issue of Principal Leadership:
https://bit.ly/4zE7n4D

10/02/2026

Back-to-school season is about more than new backpacks and No. 2 pencils.

For some students and families, meeting basic needs comes first. In his latest article, Springboro High School Principal Clayton Lavercombe shares four ways school leaders can help make sure students have the support they need:

• Know your community
• Say yes to opportunities to help
• Utilize existing resources
• Let students lead

Read how schools can turn community support into meaningful action for students and families.

When I was a kid in the 1990’s, late August meant spending as many of those final summer days at the pool as possible, until the evening classes were posted. Then it was time to run to the school, see which of my friends were in my class, and then try to convince my parents […]

10/01/2026

To the principals who make a difference every day: thank you. 💙

October is National Principals Month, a time to celebrate the leaders who show up for their students, staff, and communities with courage, vision, and heart.

This month, we’re celebrating your voice, your leadership, and the impact you make in schools across the country.

Join us in celebrating principals all month long. Visit https://bit.ly/4iZqwc6 to learn more and find ways to recognize a principal who makes a difference.

09/30/2026

What can school leaders learn from principals who have lived through school shootings?

Education Week spoke with members of the Principal Recovery Network about the newly updated Guide to Recovery, which offers guidance for supporting students, staff and school communities in the aftermath of gun violence.

The guide draws on the lived experiences of current and former school leaders who have navigated these circumstances and shares practical considerations for leading a school forward.

Read the full article from Education Week: https://hubs.la/Q04yM6vg0

09/25/2026

8 years later, we still find sunshine on the darkest days. ❤️‍🩹

In honor of the Principals Recovery Network’s release of the Guide to Recovery: Second Edition, the National Principals Association had the privilege of being hosted by Marjory Stoneman Douglas Principal Michelle Kefford for a tour of the campus and an opportunity to engage in the hard, necessary conversations about what the PRN can do to help prevent tragedies like the Parkland shooting from ever happening again.

The PRN used this moment as an opportunity for learning and growth—to inspire our own communities and school communities across the nation to not only understand how we can heal after tragedy, but also take tangible action to help prevent horrific events before they become a reality.

Through our work on Capitol Hill and in communities like Parkland and Coral Springs, FL, our goal is to help create a future of healing, hope, and safety for every school community.

Thank you to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas staff and students for allowing us into your community and for continuing to do this important work with us. 🦅

Click the link below to learn more about the event and access the Guide to Recovery: https://www.principals.org/news/principals-who-experienced-gun-violence-release-updated-guide-to-help-schools-recover-after-shootings/

09/24/2026

The Principal Recovery Network (PRN) is a national network of current and former school leaders who have experienced gun violence tragedies in their schools. Through peer support, shared experiences, and collective expertise, the PRN helps principals and school communities navigate recovery after tragedy.

In 2022, the PRN released its landmark Guide to Recovery at the Columbine Memorial. Now, the network is introducing the Guide to Recovery: Second Edition in Parkland, Florida.

Join us LIVE on Facebook for this important conversation, featuring:

Remarks from education and community leaders
An introduction to the Guide to Recovery: Second Edition
A panel discussion with PRN members
Q&A with media and attendees

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 a.m. ET
📍 Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center, Parkland, FL

Coffee and morning refreshments will be available for those attending in person.

Planning to attend in person? Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKINCh45WB2E6xyfdMoTfR_GgQ2jCQDu67u9Vcw9a2yceofQ/viewform

09/23/2026

Tomorrow morning, join us for an important conversation about supporting school leaders after tragedy. 💙

The Principal Recovery Network (PRN) will release the second edition of its Guide to Recovery, shaped by current and former principals who have lived through gun violence in their schools. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Principal Michelle Kefford will be part of the conversation.

📅 Tomorrow, Thursday, September 24
🕘 9-11 a.m. ET
📍 Parkland, FL + livestream

Join us in person or tune in from wherever you are. Bring a colleague, and share this with a school leader who needs to know they're not alone.

🔗 RSVP to attend in person: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKINCh45WB2E6xyfdMoTfR_GgQ2jCQDu67u9Vcw9a2yceofQ/viewform?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

▶️ Watch live on all platforms: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube