Five exceptional students are beginning their college journeys with support from the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), which has awarded them the 2026 Diann Woodard S
Some students have lost their mother, while others live apart from her due to divorce, incarceration, military deployment, or other complex circumstances.
“As a principal, you’re everything to everyone,” Clarence says. “Our children are our most precious jewels. We have to treasure them. Students need leaders who are passionate about their growth and who hold themselves and other educators accountable.”
Twenty-nine school leaders from across the nation have been recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as part of the 2026 class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals, highlighting the critical role assistant principals play in supporting students, staff, and school communities.
Assistant principals are often the steady presence when a school is at its most uncertain. They bring calm to difficult situations, provide support to teachers, and offer consistency that students come to depend on.
People warn you about middle school students, but what’s often called ‘disrespect’ is really a form of communication. When you learn to understand it, you can help students in meaningful ways—it’s like breaking a code.
Assistant principals are being celebrated in the U.S. Senate, as a group of Democratic lawmakers moves to formally recognize their contributions to schools across the country.
Led by Dick Durbin, alongside Mazie Hirono, Martin Heinrich, and Ben Ray Luján, the resolution would designate April 6 through April 10, 2026, as “National Assistant Principals Week.”
“Technology atrophies skills that we once had… your humanity is going to be your most vital and sought-after skill. Keeping schools human-centered when making technology choices is vital.”
By focusing on AI, the conference aimed to equip administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and lead through an evolving educational landscape.
