Do you know or work with an outstanding middle school principal? If your answer is “YES,” we encourage you to submit a nomination for the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year Award.
 

The Principal of the Year Award Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and the National Principals Association (NPA), was established in 1984 to bring recognition to exemplary middle school principals and to increase public awareness of the critical role that principals play in the education of our youth. The program is designed to honor outstanding principals who exemplify visionary leadership, student-centered innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence in education.

If, after reviewing the eligibility requirements below, you feel that a middle school principal whom you know is a viable candidate for this honor, please complete the online nomination form or have it completed by someone within the district who knows the candidate. All nominations must be submitted no later than midnight on October 5, 2026. Your nominee will be informed of this nomination and asked to complete an awards application. All candidates must have served as a principal at one or more middle level schools for three or more consecutive school years.

Individuals nominated for the Middle School Principal of the Year Award are notified of their nomination and invited to move forward in the awards process by completing a written application. The CAS Awards and Recognition Committee, a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals, will review applications and conduct a site visit at the schools of the highest rated candidates. Winners will then be chosen based upon the outcome of the site visit as well as the quality of the written application.

The selected winner will be recognized locally by CAS and will represent Connecticut in the competition for the 2027 National Middle School Principal of the Year Award sponsored by NPA. For additional information on the National Principal of the Year Program, visit the NPA website.

The CAS Awards and Recognition Committee reserves the right to reject any and all candidates if they do not meet the eligibility requirements. In making its decisions, the Awards and Recognition Committee will consider each candidate’s professional qualities as outlined in the application, their recommendations, and their contributions to the profession. Prior winners will not be considered. Only one nomination per district will be accepted. All nominations must be endorsed by the district superintendent.

Questions? Please contact Karen Packtor at kpacktorcasciacorg.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION