Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals. Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premier resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education. MESPA has represented Minnesota principals since 1950, and is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and its 29,500 members nationwide. MESPA supports its members with: Professional development for professional leaders Legal and legislative advocacy Communications customized to the needs of education leaders Honors, recognition, and public relations Minnesota School of Excellence program grounded in national standards