NAESP National Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year

Eddie Pollard
Tyrone Elementary School

About Us

Vision

Georgia Achieves Excellence through Successful Principals

Mission

GAESP’s mission is to equip leaders with research based practices that advance student learning. Our organization will provide opportunities for networking, professional learning, and legislative advocacy.

Beliefs

• All children can and will learn.
• Elementary Schools provide the foundation for future education.
• The principal is the instructional leader.
• High expectations are essential.
• Education is a collaborative effort involving schools, families, and community.
• Communication is the key to success

GAESP Constitution/Bylaws 2010

Letter from the President

I am deeply honored to accept the position as the president of the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals.  As an aspiring leader, I was most fortunate to have supervisors involved in this organization that gave me exposure to the wealth of resources with the GAESP affiliate of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL). For thirteen years I have benefited from the resources, training, and support of the GAESP Organization. I am most excited to be able to serve you as we take advantage of the opportunities that await us in the 2011-12 school year.

As an elementary principal, I am constantly reminded of the importance of graduation for every child. Elementary educators have the unique opportunity to shape and design the roadmap for all our students’ future successes.  But, how do we access and make relevant a goal that is a 13-year process amidst all the uncertainties facing our profession? We begin with the “end in mind” and set that expectation not only for our students but our staff, our families and our school communities. Henry David Thoreau wrote: “It is not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” We have the opportunity, as well as an obligation, to see every child as a successful, productive citizen. What a privilege it is to get to help them develop the vision for their own future!

This year, as children come through your doors, I challenge you to begin this year focused on what your students’ successes will be. The surge is building as we countdown the days until Georgia’s most valuable resource arrives at our front doors trusting in us to met their needs. It’s a daunting task, lonely work, and difficult to do by yourself. That is why you need the strength of a strong organization, like GAESP, that knows and understands the complexities of your work.

Whether you need the latest research, news from the Gold Dome or Capitol Hill, , professional development, or simply networking opportunities, GAESP is there for you working diligently to provide you with critical resources for these critical times.  I encourage you to find a way to plug into GAESP by first becoming a member and then attending your local district meetings. There is strength in numbers and we need each one of you to help us lift and carry the voice of our children.

Take care and may this school year live up to all your expectations!

Julia M. Mashburn, GAESP President

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Board of Directors