The deadline to apply for Principal of the Year is August 15, 2025

Important Application Tip: To avoid errors, have all of your infomation ready – writing prompts, recommendation letters, and resume – before you start the application. Leaving the application open too long can trigger a “Your response is too large” error, requiring you to restart. 

Please submit the following items, adhering to all limits and naming conventions:

1. Writing Prompts (Limit each response to one page)

• Leadership & Impact: Describe how your teamwork and leadership skills as a principal have improved student performance, fostered safe learning environments, and built partnerships with parents and the community. Support your response with data and specific examples. 
• OCPS Values: Explain which OCPS values (Safety, People First, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence) you consistently practice with students, families and/or staff. Provide examples.
• Student Impact: Share an instance where you made a direct, positive, and significant impact on an OCPS student. Detail their circumstances and the outcome of your actions.

2. Recommendation Letters (Limit each to one page)

You will need two (2) recommendation letters: 

From a Principal Leader:

Save the file as: POY Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Principal Leader Recommendation

From a Colleague, Parent, Former/Current Student or Civic/Community Leader:

Save file as: POY, Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Recommendation 2

3. Resume

Save your resume file as: POY, Nominee Last Name, Nominee First Name, Resume

Remember! Have all your information ready – writing prompts, recommendation letters and resume – before you start the application. Leaving the application open too long can trigger a "Your response is too large" error, requiring you to restart.

 
To complete and submit your application, click on the “POY Application” link below.

POY Application

Please note the following important dates: