AWARDS

Nominate a deserving colleague for the National Distinguished Principal Award, National Outstanding Assistant Principal Award, or one of the many VAESP State Awards. Award recipients will be recognized during the Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the VAESP Annual Conference. Nomination forms can be downloaded by clicking on the award names below. The nomination deadline for all awards except the NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP) Award is December 31, 2022. The NDP Award Nomination is due December 1st.

​The National Association of Elementary School Principals and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals are committed to preparing assistant principals to step into the principal role. We want to honor assistant principals who are doing a superb job in their roles. This program promotes educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade (PreK-8) schooling and calls attention to the fundamental importance of the assistant principal. NAESP will share their successes and best practices in a practical document for other principals to utilize.

Eligibility 1. Candidate is a member of VAESP/NAESP, an active assistant principal, has been an active assistant principal for at least two years, and will be an active assistant principal at time of nomination. 2. Demonstrates exceptional leadership in a particular school program; is respected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large; and sets high expectations for school staff and students.

Only VAESP members may submit nominations. Please send application to Karnold@vaesp.org by close of business Jan 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by the VAESP Board of Directors.  Select nominees will be invited to interview with the VAESP Board of Directors, who will select the recipient.  The award will be presented at the VAESP Annual Conference.

Megan Thompson, 2024 Virginia Beach Virginia

This award was established by VAESP to honor Donald Lacey, past Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. Nominees must be school-based principals and VAESP members. They must show strong commitment to the principalship and must demonstrate exemplary educational leadership. Nomination requirements include citation of three or four specific achievements most noteworthy in operating the nominee’s school. Support documentation must include specific results such as the following: student achievement; innovative programs; instructional leadership; school and community relations; and technology initiatives. Only VAESP members may nominate award recipients, and only practicing principals who are members of VAESP may receive the award. The Board of Directors will screen nominees and will select the award recipient. The award recipient will be recognized at the Annual VAESP Principals Conference, and the recipient will receive an engraved plaque. Only one award is presented annually.​​

VAESP’s Pathfinder Award provides recognition to those persons in Virginia who are members or non-members of VAESP who have provided educational leadership or significant contributions to VAESP in educational reform in elementary and middle school education and/or who have, by their deeds, enhanced the quality of elementary and middle school education. Only one award will be given each year.

Only VAESP members may nominate award recipients.  The Board of Directors will screen nominees and will select the award recipient. The award recipient will be recognized at the Annual VAESP Principals Conference.

The School Bell Award(s) will be presented to school-based administrators , who are members of VAESP. The nominees are to have made significant contributions to their schools, school systems, state association, national association, and/or other educational organization. The recipient(s) will be selected based on the nominee’s specific contributions and career summary including any awards/honors, articles published, civic and/or political activities, organizations, and association participation. A subordinate may not nominate nominees, and nominees may receive this award only once. Only VAESP members may nominate award recipients; and only VAESP members may receive the award. The Board of Directors will screen nominees and will select the award recipient(s). More than one person may receive the School Bell Award. The award recipient(s) will be recognized at the Annual VAESP Principals Conference.