Bob Farrace, NASSP, 703-860-7257

Gerald N. Tirozzi Exec. Dir., NASSP

Reston, VA - “Principals are among the hardest working, yet often least recognized individuals in education. These unsung heroes deserve to be recognized for the essential role they play in preparing today’s students for the challenges of tomorrow, and NASSP is pleased to declare October 2009 as National Principals Month,” said Gerald N. Tirozzi, NASSP Executive Director.

In tandem with NASSP’s declaration, Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) has introduced a resolution (H. Res. 811) that marks October 2009 as National Principals Month to honor principals for their contributions to student success.

The resolution, which was cosponsored by Del. Madeline Bordallo (D-GU), Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA), Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA), was introduced in large part due to the efforts of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).

“Principals play an essential role in the causes of closing the achievement gap and improving student performance overall,” Rep. Davis said. “In fact, teachers often cite management as the deciding factor on whether they accept a position or stay at a school. I am proud to introduce a resolution in Congress to honor principals and give them the recognition they deserve.”

That “essential role” cannot be overlooked. Research on the factors that lead to school success regularly points to school leadership as second only to instruction.

“NASSP is very pleased to have worked with Congresswoman Davis and NAESP to recognize October as National Principals Month,” said NASSP Executive Director Gerald N. Tirozzi. “While this congressional recognition is a significant achievement, principals deserve much more than a month to be honored for the hard work they do in our nation’s schools. We hope this resolution represents just one step in the path towards greater federal support for principals at all grade levels and a greater awareness of the important role of school-based leaders in improving student achievement.”

During National Principals Month, NASSP will honor the 2009 state principals of the year and the 2010 MetLife-NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year Sheila Kahrs and 2010 MetLife-NASSP National High School Principal of the Year Lucy Beckham.

About NASSP

NASSP is the preeminent organization and the national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders. NASSP provides its members with the professional resources to serve as visionary leaders. NASSP promotes the intellectual growth, academic achievement, character development, leadership development, and physical well being of youth through its programs and student leadership services. NASSP administers the National Honor Society™, National Junior Honor Society™, National Elementary Honor Society™ and National Association of Student Councils™.