Missouri principals have an important opportunity this spring to engage directly with state legislators and advocate for our schools, educators, and students. MAESP will join our colleagues from the MoASSP for a School Leader Advocacy Day in Jefferson City on April 13–14, 2026. This 1.5-day event will bring together PreK–12 school leaders from across the state to learn about current legislation, prepare key messages, and meet with lawmakers at the Capitol.
The event begins with a working dinner on Monday evening, April 13, at the MCSA Administrative Building in Jefferson City, followed by Advocacy Day at the Missouri Capitol on Tuesday, April 14, where members will meet with legislators and share the perspective of Missouri school leaders.
Whether you are experienced in advocacy or attending for the first time, this is a meaningful way to strengthen relationships with policymakers and elevate the voice of principals across Missouri.
Clay-Platte Region April 13, 2026Building 53 - Liberty School District 1000 Kent St. Liberty, MO 64068
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM * Lunch Provided Facilitators: Ramona Simmons - Middle School Principal, New Mark Middle School, North Kansas City 74 Mitch Hiser - Elementary Principal, Lewis and Clark Elementary, Liberty 53 Mitch Masker - Elementary Principal, Kearney Elementary, Kearney R-I
Cost: $100 for MAESP members / $129 for non-members
Do you have a dynamic staff member you are encouraging to become a principal? This workshop may be just what you need to launch them on that journey!
The Aspiring Leaders Workshop is for individuals interested in learning more about becoming a school principal. The primary purpose is to assist in the identification and encouragement of talented individuals to become school administrators and provide aspiring principals with an awareness of the comprehensive dimensions and unique characteristics of the job. Seminar participants will have the opportunity to explore the peaks and valleys of day-to-day life as a principal, examine and affirm their own professional talents and interests, and develop a vision for their professional career planning. Small group interaction also provides an opportunity to explore actual "on-the-job" situations and problems and review strategies for handling those that are difficult. The day-long seminar provides a chance for significant participant involvement under the direction of current principals who are also dynamic facilitators.
You will find The Aspiring Leaders Workshop well worth your time and effort if you have an interest in learning more about the life of a school principal and career opportunities in educational administration.
Overview of the principal responsibilities with Q & A time.
HR issues to consider when working with students/staff/parents.
Perspectives of rural and suburban patrons/teachers/students.
Leadership standards and building a personal vision.
The change process.
The importance of data and how to use it.
Interviewing tips.
Cancellation Policy: Due to the nature of the event, no refunds will be given. Should circumstances prevent you from participating, a substitution may be allowed by calling the MAESP office.
The New Principals Conference, June 16-17, 2026 is co-sponsored by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP), and the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS).
MLDS
Facilitators from the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS), a two-year required program for re-certification, will lead introductory activities with the statewide cohort of new principals. Exemplary principals from across Missouri will also be on hand to present key information in critical areas for new principals.
Conference Bundle for New Principals
MAESP is proud to be a key contributor to the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS). Every new principal in Missouri is required to participate in a two-year mentoring program and the MLDS professional development program fulfills that requirement. MAESP's role in the new MLDS is to provide two specific and strategic opportunities for new principals. The first opportunity is the statewide New Principal's Conference and the second opportunity will be integrated into the MAESP Leadership Conference held each March. Therefore, MAESP has bundled the cost of both conferences into a single fee at a savings of $169 over registering for each conference individually. In addition, participants are encouraged to join MAESP for the 2026-2027 membership year (July 1 through June 30). First year members will receive a 25% discount off the active membership rate.
New principals and assistant principals should register for both the New Principal Conference in Columbia and the MAESP Leadership Conference, February 27 - March 2, 2027, at Margaritaville Lake Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks. It will provide the opportunity to reconnect with the network of new principals from the New Principals Conference.
2026 New Principals ConferenceJune 16-17 2026 Courtyard by Marriott Columbia, MO
2027 MAESP Leadership Conference February 27 - March 2, 2027 Margaritaville Lake Resort Osage Beach, MO
Cancellation Policy: Workshop registration cancellations will be accepted ONLY if received 5 business days or more prior to the initial training and will be subject to a $50 administrative charge. Any cancellations not received within 5 business days will be charged the entire fee.
For additional information, please contact the MAESP office at 573-638-2460 or maesp@maesp.com.
MAESP invites you to join us this July for the 2026 Educational Office Professionals Conference—an experience designed to support, empower, and elevate school office professionals across Missouri.
This conference is your opportunity to strengthen the skills that keep your school running smoothly while gaining fresh ideas and practical strategies you can bring back to your building. Connect with peers who understand the demands of your role, explore relevant topics impacting today’s school offices, and leave feeling confident, capable, and inspired.
Hosted at the beautiful Margaritaville Lake Resort, this event offers the perfect balance of professional growth and personal renewal. Step away from the day-to-day, invest in yourself, and return to your school recharged and ready to make an even greater impact.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations will be accepted ONLY if received before June 26, 2026 and will be subject to a $50 administrative charge. Any cancellations not received by June 26 will be charged the entire fee.
Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals 3550 Amazonas Drive Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: 573-638-2460Fax: 573-556-6270maesp@maesp.com
