School Principals’ Day is celebrated on May 1 annually to recognize the importance of principals, from elementary to high school, and all the work they do for the betterment of the school.
History of School Principals' Day
anet Dellaria founded School Principals’ Day as a day to recognize the principals of all schools, from elementary schools to high schools.
While the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a principal is a terrorizing figure who administers suspensions, expulsions, and detentions, we all know that there is really much more to them. Janet Dellaria, a teacher from Michigan, backed by many teachers associations, decided to dedicate a day to celebrate these educational leaders of schools and spread awareness of the importance of their role.
While students have to think about studying and teachers about teaching, the principal has a lot more on his or her mind pertaining to the school. From helping students to achieve more, managing students as well as the teachers, and living up to the expectations of the parents, the jobs of school principals are often underestimated. Another thing that makes them worthy of recognition is that they started as teachers and climbed their way up to the principal’s seat. They also often substitute for teachers if they have taken leave and thus know how to engage with students and make the learning process interesting. This is what makes the school principal more than just the head of a school but a true teacher who makes a difference in the lives of students. Their job includes meeting with the teachers, understanding the students’ concerns, planning lessons, as well as aiming to make the school better in all ways.
School Principals' Day timeline
Boston Latin School, the first public school, is established in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Moravians of Pennsylvania establish the Bethlehem Female Seminary, America’s first boarding school for girls only.
Many federal agencies combine offices and establish the U.S. Department of Education.
The Progressive Education Association is established and all 50 U.S. states sign an agreement to fund school transportation for children.
School Principals' Day FAQs
Who founded School Principals’ Day?
School Principals’ Day was founded by Janet Dellaria who is a Michigan-based teacher and social worker. There were also many teachers’ associations who supported her in this cause.
What day is Principal Appreciation Day?
Principal Appreciation Day is just another name for School Principals’ Day, which is celebrated every year on May 1.
How do we celebrate School Principals’ Day?
There are many ways to celebrate the day. Depending on whether you are a student or not, you can either give them gifts, organize events, or send a thank you card of appreciation to your favorite school principal.
How to Observe School Principals' Day
Thank your principal(s)
Remind your principals of how thankful you are to them by sending them a handwritten thank-you card.
Give them a present
If you are a student, then present your principal with a gift to show them your appreciation for the role they are playing in your life.
Organize an event
Plan an event with your school friends to show some appreciation for your school principal and share it on social media using the hashtag #SchoolPrincipalsDay.
5 Facts About School Principals’ Day
Budget planners
School principals are the ones responsible for requisitions and budget-planning as well as finding grants and other funds to keep schools running.
More than an average employee
According to an EdWeek article, principles work an average of 60+ hours per week, which is a lot more than that of the average full-time employee (40 hours).
Head of security
During an event at a school, the principal takes over as the security chief, carefully coordinating everything to ensure the safety of the students and their families and other staff.
Endless jobs
Developing connections between teachers and students, organizing board meetings, contributing to community events, arriving first and leaving last, and many more factors make school principals some of the best multitaskers.
The true mentors
Not just for students but for teachers, too, school principals are mentors who show the right way to make teaching and learning an enriched hand-in-hand experience.
Why School Principals' Day is Important
It appreciates the role of a school principal
School Principals’ Day is dedicated to the significant role played by a school principal in the betterment of a school.
It recognizes the importance of the principal’s job
Being a school principal is not easy and this day serves to recognize the tough job that school principals carry out every day.
Not everyone can be a leader
School Principals’ Day is, in a way, the celebration of a true leader called the principal. Without their leadership, a school would not necessarily be able to produce well-educated contributors to society.
School Principals' Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
School Principals' Day related holidays
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