Principal of the Year Award

The Principal of the Year Award is Fairfax County Public School’s highest honor for a Principal.
Note: Nominations for the 2009-10 Principal of the Year award will open in Fall 2009. Please check back for the nomination form.

The winner, finalists, and nominees for this award are all honored in the spring at a special Principal of the Year reception, generously supported by the Fairfax Education Foundation, followed by a special School Board Ceremony. The Principal of the Year winner will also be honored by The Washington Post, receiving the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.

Congratulations to the 2008-09 Principal of the Year, Deirdre Lavery! Learn about Deirdre and the 2008-09 award nominees. View the listing of previous Principal of the Year winners.

Parents, students, administrators, FCPS staff and teachers, Fairfax County government employees, and Fairfax County citizens are invited and encouraged to nominate a principal for this prestigious award.

To be eligible for nomination, the principal must:

• Currently work as an elementary, middle, or high school principal in FCPS. Assistant, associate, or subschool principals are not eligible.
• Have completed five years of experience as a principal, at least three in FCPS. Experience in an acting capacity may not be counted.
• Plan to continue working as a principal with FCPS next year.
• Be aware of and in agreement with this nomination.

Nominees must be principals who:

• Manage and administrate effectively.
• Demonstrate and encourage creativity and innovation.
• Foster cooperation between the school and the community.
• Maintain a continuing dialogue with students and parents, faculty, and staff members.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of education.
• Encourage team spirit.
• Demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment.
• Continue to play an active role in the classroom.