Since 2019, the Advocacy Champion of the Year Award has honored a leader whose influence in policy and public discourse has helped shape the future of education. This award highlights individuals who elevate the voices of school leaders at every level of government.
Why this award matters:
- Recognizes one exceptional school leader annually for outstanding advocacy impact.
- Highlights efforts to influence lawmakers and empower students and school community members as policy changemakers.
- Celebrates finalists at the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) with the winner announced on stage.
What sets candidates apart:
- Mobilized advocates across multiple districts through campaigns, events, and grassroots action.
- Expanded influence on policy through direct engagement with lawmakers and meaningful impact on legislation.
- Engaged student leaders in real-world advocacy, helping shape the next generation of civically active changemakers.
Selection Process
Nominations must be submitted by National Principals Association state affiliate organizations and reflect accomplishments from the previous school year. If you would like to submit a nominee, please contact your state association to do so.
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Candidates must be current or former principals or assistant principals who advocate as volunteers and not in a professional capacity.
- Candidates may not be currently serving on the National Principals Association Board of Directors, Steering Committee, or staff.
- All specific accomplishments, actions, and work described should have taken place in the school year prior to their nomination.
2027 Timeline
- The 2026 nomination period: August 3–September 17, 2026
- Nominees reviewed: September–November 2026
- Finalists publicly announced: January 2027
- Winner publicly announced at NPC: February 2027
Congratulations to Our 2026 Winner!
The 2026 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year is Chase Christensen, the principal and superintendent of Sheridan County School District 3 in Clearmont, WY.
Christensen was announced as the winner at the National Education Leadership Awards gala in Washington, D.C., on April 17, 2026.
In 2025, Christensen was also selected as Wyoming’s Principal of the Year.
As Wyoming state coordinator, Christensen led the Wyoming Principal Apprenticeship Program to help address the administrator shortage. He unites districts through regional advocacy efforts, writes a weekly column for the local paper, and mobilizes school leaders to engage with legislators. He regularly hosts lawmakers at a local high school, presents at the Wyoming Principal Leadership Academy, and represents Wyoming in Washington, D.C., including at NASSP advocacy conferences. Throughout his work, he elevates student voice by advancing workforce development, career readiness, and civic engagement initiatives.
>> READ MORE: By Chase Christensen: “How to Wear Many Hats Without Losing Your Head: 6 strategies that work” (Principal Leadership, 2026)
Past Champions
- 2025: Terri Daniels, EdD, principal of Folsom Middle School in Folsom, CA
- 2024: Chris Young, principal of North Country Union High School in Newport, VT
- 2023: Melissa Shindel, principal of Glenwood Middle School in Howard County, MD
- 2022: Chris LeGrande, principal of Guthrie High School in Guthrie, OK
- 2021: Derrick Lawson, principal of Indio High School in Indio, CA
- 2020: Dr. Erika Burden, principal of Westwood Middle School in Spokane, WA.
- 2019: Dan Richards, principal of Georgetown Middle High School in Georgetown, MA.
Get Involved
2025 Advocacy Champion’s Tips for Getting Your Voice Heard
Explore Policy Issue Briefs to stay informed on key PreK–12 education issues and take action on policies impacting school leaders and students.