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.
National Distinguished Principal
The National Distinguished Principals program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level administrators who ensure that America’s children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. The program was established in 1984 to recognize and celebrate 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.
Only VAESP members may submit nominations. Upon receipt of an NDP nomination, nominees meeting the award criteria will be sent an application packet, completed packets must be received by VAESP on or before December 31, 2022. 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.
2022 Rene Paschal
National Outstanding Assistant Principal
Deadline for completed application packet to VAESP by Dec 31, 2021
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. Nominees will be sent an application packet that must be received in the VAESP headquarters by December 31 of the current year. 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.
2023 Janet Lewis
Distinguished Service to VAESP Award
The Distinguished Service to VAESP Award was initiated in 1977 to provide recognition to school-based principals that are members of VAESP who have, by their deeds, assisted the Association in achieving its goals. Only VAESP members may nominate award recipients, and only 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 Conference.
Don Lacey Award for Excellence
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.
Robert Lynn Canady Lifetime of Service Award
The Robert Lynn Canady Lifetime of Service Award, presented in honor of long-time Virginia educator and researcher Dr. Lynn Canady, provides recognition to those persons in Virginia who are members or non-members of VAESP, and who have, by their deeds, enhanced the quality of elementary education.
Only VAESP members may nominate award recipients. Members and non-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.
2023 Dr. Michael Martin
Pathfinder Award
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.
Professional Development Award
2023 Charles Moss
The Professional Development Award provides recognition to educators who have enhanced professional development opportunities for elementary and middle school principals.
Only VAESP members may nominate award recipients; however, any educator 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.
School Bell Award
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.