Advocacy

Principal for a day & 

Principal Partners

Engaging in advocacy through programs like Principal for a Day and Principal Partners empowers school leaders to build meaningful relationships with legislators, showcase the realities of school leadership, and influence education policy firsthand. These initiatives provide a platform for administrators to elevate the voices of their students, staff, and communities—ensuring that decisions made at the state and federal levels are informed by those who understand education best.

Principal for a Day

Principal for a Day is an annual program where principals and administrators host State and Federal legislators at local schools to build relationships, engage with staff and students, and participate in administrative activities.

Visits are typically scheduled in the fall to correspond with Principal Appreciation Month in October.

Ideas for Legislative Visits

  • Shadow the principal during day-to-day activities and duties
  • Read the school announcements and lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance
  • Host a student “Town Hall Meeting”
  • Serve on a panel of elected officials (city council, school board, mayor, etc.)
  • Read a book to students
  • Discuss the role of a legislator, how a bill becomes a law, or other governmental functions with classes.
  • Meet with a group of teachers and/or parents
  • Attend after-school activities - music performances, science fair, culture festival, student recognition, open house, etc.
  • Attend an all-school assembly
  • Participate in a one-on-one or administrative team call.
  • Include local legislators as guest speakers.
  • Ask legislators to record a daily/weekly announcement or a back-to-school message.

Principal Partners

Principal Partners is an initiative to help members build consistent, meaningful connections with local legislators. Each month, we’ll send you a message theme, personalization tips, and a sample email you can quickly adapt and send to your representatives.

Click below to get involved!