School Principal of the Year
Mission Statement
The mission of the West Virginia Principal of the Year Program is to recognize principals of excellence and connect them with a network of other equally inspirational and innovative administrators. By recognizing those principals who bring honor to their profession, the Principal of the Year program hopes to energize students, enhance community respect for learning, and revitalize education across the state.
Relationship of the Participant to West Virginia
The intent of the Principal of the Year program is to help communicate the excellence of education to the public. The selected principal will be requested to maintain a relationship with the West Virginia Department of Education for one year. During that time, the principal will have the opportunity to give lectures, provide consultations, and participate in other activities with the department. It is expected that the selected principal will be released from their responsibilities by the local board of education on these occasions. The West Virginia Department of Education will provide travel and lodging expenses for activities required of the West Virginia Principal of the Year.
Privacy Policy
The principal purpose for collecting this information is to provide the data necessary to make determinations of qualifications for the Principal of the Year. This information may be shared with local, state, and national education agencies for lawful purposes as acknowledged by signing and submitting the acknowledgement form.
Principal Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you qualify. Applicant must be a qualified and dedicated administrator at a state-approved or accredited PreK–12 school and plan to continue working as a principal next year.
The Principal must:
- hold professional certification in administration;
- be a current full-time principal;
- have completed five years of administrative experience in West Virginia with a minimum of two years as a principal; and
- have verification of eligibility and consent to participate.
The principal should
inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
- have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;
- play an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; and
- be poised, articulate, and possess the energy to withstand a taxing schedule.
- In the event that you currently have or have had approved leave in the past three years which did not constitute a break in service, you are eligible to apply.
- County nominations of principals intending to retire at the end of the same school year in which they were nominated will be recognized at the state level, but they are not eligible to be named the West Virginia Principal of the Year or a finalist.
Important Notes
- In the event that you currently have or have had approved leave in the past three years which did not constitute a break in service, you are eligible to apply.
- County nominations of principals intending to retire at the end of the same school year in which they were nominated will be recognized at the state level, but they are not eligible to be named the West Virginia Principal of the Year or a finalist.