Life Members

Becoming a VASSP Life Member is more than a badge of honour, it’s a commitment to the future of public secondary education.

Life Membership is not only recognition for years of dedication. It is also a pledge to continue shaping our profession.

Why Life Membership Matters

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, the voice of experience is invaluable. Life Membership guarantees that this voice is not only heard but actively contributes to the future. VASSP members are invited to nominate a peer for Life Membership.

Legacy of leadership

  • Life Members are custodians of wisdom, offering guidance to new and experienced principals and assistant principals alike.

Ongoing influence

  • VASSP Life Members are both retired and current principal class who continue to influence policy, advocacy, and best practices.

Community connection

  • VASSP Life Membership ensures that those who have given so much to our schools remain part of the evolving conversation, sharing their insights and support.

How to nominate someone for Life Membership

Nominations can only be made by members for members

Step 1: Log into our website

Step 2: Visit the ‘Resources’ page under the Member Resources menu tab.

(Note: you will not be able to access the resources page unless you have logged in).

Life Members at annual dinner

Application Process

Applicants must submit a written application (maximum two pages) that includes:

  • What you plan to do with the award funding
  • Why this activity is relevant to your development as a system leader
  • How it responds to real challenges or opportunities in your school or system context
  • How the activity will support student learning, staff capacity, or broader school improvement
  • How the activity will extend your impact beyond your current role or school
How you will communicate or present your insights with VASSP members (e.g. at a regional meeting, report for VASSP newsletter, or via professional learning)

A response to the four selection criteria below:

Demonstrated capacity to think and plan strategically for future impact. The proposed activity should align with long-term goals for school and system improvement. Examples may include:

  • Planning a whole-school improvement initiative to address student or community needs
  • Developing new ways to use data to drive improvement
  • Designing future leadership or workforce models to build school capacity

Demonstrated intention to collaborate beyond your own school. The proposed activity should extend your contribution to the broader education system. Examples may include:

  • Planning a cross-school project or shared initiative
  • Developing or facilitating learning across a network
  • Building leadership pipelines through mentoring or collaboration

Demonstrated ability to influence change. The proposed activity should show potential to strengthen inclusive, evidence-informed practice. Examples may include:

  • Leading future instructional or wellbeing work that will improve student outcomes
  • Addressing a challenge such as engagement, equity, or inclusion
  • Scaling or adapting a strategy to benefit more students or settings

Demonstrated commitment to sharing learning and building leadership in others. The proposed activity should include plans to contribute to the wider profession. Examples may include:

  • Presenting your learning at professional events or VASSP forums
  • Producing resources, tools, or reflections to share with colleagues
  • Supporting shared leadership learning across schools or teams