September 11, 2018

School is in session — but Eric Cardwell, president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is not in his building. Where is Eric?

He is embarking on an epic road trip to visit school communities across the nation. And you can follow those adventures here on the Meemic Blog.

Starting from Les Cheneaux Elementary School in Cedarville, MI, where he started his career, Eric will visit at least 28 elementary and middle-level schools in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia.

“Schools are at the very center of this nation’s communities,” Eric said. “I’m taking this listening tour as not only a celebration of schools and principal leadership, but also to take a real look at the successes and challenges that they are facing.”

Eric, who is principal of Besser Elementary in Alpena, MI, is driving almost 4,500 miles through seven states during the two-week trip, which starts September 13. At each school, Eric will meet with the principal and learn about the great things going on at that school.

School communities will be able to spot Eric coming; his car will be covered in magnets representing the schools he’s visiting, and school mascot Besser the Bulldog will be in the passenger seat. Meemic is the sponsor for this leg of the tour.

In addition to daily blog updates, follow Eric on his trip on Twitter, @Cardwell16, and other social media platforms using the hashtag #PrincipalRoadTrip.

NAESP, which represents pre-K–8 educators in the United States, Canada and overseas, is led by board members who are practicing principals and are actively involved in shaping the long-term impact of school improvement efforts.

Eric has been a member of NAESP since 2000, and has served on its Board of Directors as president-elect, vice president and director of Zone 6. He has also been active in the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, serving as president, professional development representative and legislative representative.

In addition to these leadership roles, his professional honors include receiving the State of Michigan’s Governor’s Excellence in Practice Award (2002), the Michigan Federation of Teachers and School Personnel’s Red School House Award (2002) and the State of Michigan's Golden Apple Award (2001).