Pearson Foundation Announces Outstanding Assistant Principal Award with National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation

05 May 2011

Award to recognize assistant principal in each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia

Alexandria, VA – May 5, 2011 – The Pearson Foundation and the National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation today announced the new Outstanding Assistant Principal Award, which will honor exceptional K-8 assistant principals and their accomplishments in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning.

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Award recognizes these leaders in our schools and shares their successes and best practices. There are thousands of assistant principals in the elementary and middle schools across the United States, and this award specifically distinguishes these educational leaders for the important role they play and their commitment to serving their students.

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Award will honor assistant principals who are:

  • Active at excellent schools that meet the academic and social needs of all students and enjoy firmly established ties with parents, local business organizations, and the entire local community.

  • Exceptional leaders in a particular school program.

  • Heavily involved in finding a solution to a problem faced by their school.

  • Respected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large.

  • Strong educational leaders who set high expectations for school staff and students.

  • Active at the time of nomination, with at least two years of experience.

The Outstanding Assistant Principal Award is one of several programs supported by the Pearson Foundation that honors educational leadership. The Pearson Foundation works across the educational spectrum with organizations to recognize unique, high-quality leadership among educators. This work includes the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Teacher of the Year program, which the foundation began supporting in 2007, and the National Education Association Foundation’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.

“We need to embrace and encourage assistant principals for the important role they play in our schools,” said Pearson Foundation President Mark Nieker. “Through this partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation, we will be able to share best practices and scalable solutions for educational leaders.”

“Often the assistant principal is a school community’s unsung hero,” said NAESP Foundation CEO Ernest J. Mannino. “NAESP is excited to partner with the Pearson Foundation to recognize outstanding K-8 assistant principals as they work tirelessly to create a lasting foundation for learning and shape the long-term impact of school improvement.”

For more information about the Outstanding Assistant Principal Award, visit www.naesp.org/naesp-foundation. Applications are now available. Application deadlines vary by state.

About the Pearson Foundation
The Pearson Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, extends Pearson’s commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.

About the National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation
The National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation advances excellence, innovation, and equity in schools by endowing leadership and learning for principals for the benefit of all children. Incubating innovation, highlighting success, and connecting key partners, the Foundation supports and extends the work of the Association. The NAESP Foundation works to advance the profession for elementary and middle-level principals leading learning communities. More information on the Foundation can be found at www.naesp.org/naesp-foundation.

Media Contact:
Stacey Finkel
Pearson Foundation
703.304.1377
stacey.finkel@pearsonfoundation.org