Our Time Is Now: Ed Cosentino’s Commitment to Serving School Leaders Nationwide

Dr. Brittney Clinton
6 days ago
4 min read

Dr. Brittney Clinton | Thursday, February 5, 2026 | EducationFIRST

Ed Cosentino is a candidate for Vice President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Throughout his career, he has been inspired by the collective power of principals, assistant principals, and educational leaders who dedicate themselves daily to the success of students and the wellbeing of learning communities. It is this shared commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy that has shaped his professional journey and drives his desire to serve NAESP at the national level.

With more than 28 years of experience as an educator and administrator, Cosentino understands the essential role principals play not only as instructional leaders, but also as advocates, mentors, and steady voices during times of change. While the work is deeply meaningful, it is also increasingly complex. School leaders are navigating evolving expectations, heightened accountability, and unprecedented challenges that can often feel isolating.

Cosentino is running for NAESP Vice President because he believes that strong school leaders require strong professional organizations. Just as principals empower their schools, NAESP empowers its members by providing the resources, opportunities, and guidance needed to thrive in a demanding profession.

Leadership Rooted in Service

At the heart of Cosentino’s leadership philosophy is servant leadership. He believes NAESP plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and professional community for school leaders nationwide. If elected Vice President, Cosentino is committed to serving NAESP members by being responsive, visible, and adaptive to the changing climate of education.

He plans to engage directly with principals and assistant principals by visiting schools, attending state conferences, and listening closely to leaders in the field. Through these connections, Cosentino aims to ensure that NAESP’s wide array of resources remains accessible, relevant, and grounded in the real-world experiences of school leaders.

Strengthening Support for School Leaders

Support begins with listening. One of Cosentino’s top priorities as Vice President would be to learn from school leaders across the country and elevate their voices within the NAESP Board. By understanding the diverse challenges faced by leaders in different contexts, he is committed to ensuring their needs are clearly communicated and thoughtfully addressed.

Cosentino believes NAESP must continue to evolve its professional learning opportunities to meet the demands of today’s leaders. Whether through webinars, leadership training, conferences, or peer networks, he will work collaboratively to ensure members receive meaningful support that enhances expertise, sustains wellbeing, and advances leadership capacity.

Advocacy That Amplifies Our Collective Voice

Advocacy is essential to shaping the future of education, and Cosentino is committed to championing the stories and concerns of NAESP members. As Vice President, he will work to elevate the collective voice of principals and assistant principals, ensuring their experiences inform policies and decisions that impact schools nationwide.

By amplifying the voices of school leaders, Cosentino believes NAESP can continue to influence meaningful change advocating for policies that benefit students, educators, and communities while strengthening the sustainability of the profession.

A Record of Impact and a Strong Endorsement

Cosentino’s leadership is widely respected by colleagues at the local, state, and national levels. His career path, serving as a county representative, MAESP Board member, MAESP President, and Zone 3 Director on the NAESP Board reflects a steady progression of service and impact.

Dr. Christopher Wooleyhand, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), offers a strong endorsement of Cosentino’s candidacy. Dr. Wooleyhand notes that every step of Cosentino’s career has prepared him for national leadership and credits him with making significant, long-lasting contributions to both MAESP and NAESP.

Through strong communication skills, determination, and a deep passion for the profession, Cosentino helped increase association membership within his school district by advocating for district-funded participation in state and national organizations, including for aspiring school leaders. According to Dr. Wooleyhand, Cosentino does not merely advocate for leadership development, he actively recruits, mentors, and supports emerging leaders at both the state and national levels.

A 2019 National Distinguished Principal, Cosentino is recognized as a leader who exemplifies effective, people-centered leadership. Dr. Wooleyhand describes him as a highly collaborative and trusted colleague, one who listens carefully, offers thoughtful guidance, and consistently “walks the walk” when it comes to service and advocacy.

Meeting This Moment Together

Cosentino believes this is a pivotal moment for educational leadership. As schools continue to navigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid technological advancement, and an increased focus on equity and social-emotional wellness, the need for strong, connected leadership has never been greater.

“Our time is now,” Cosentino believes to strengthen our profession, support one another, and lead with purpose. Grounded in service, support, and advocacy, he is committed to helping NAESP members lead confidently, meet the evolving demands of the profession, and continue growing as leaders.

Together, through shared leadership and collective action, NAESP can continue to elevate the work of school leaders and build a brighter, more equitable future for students, schools, and communities across the nation.

An email will be sent to NAESP members who are eligible to vote on February 10, 2026. Voting will take place from February 10 - February 20.

Dr. Ed Cosentino is currently the principal of Phelps Luck Elementary School in Columbia, Maryland.

About the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), founded in 1921, is a professional organization serving elementary and middle school principals and other education leaders throughout the U.S., Canada, and overseas.

Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attracts other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board. Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.