27 Award-Winning APs Shaping Education

Assistant principals (APs) play a crucial role in shaping the future of our schools—and they serve as an invaluable piece of a strong educator pipeline. This is perhaps why the number of APs has grown drastically across the U.S. in recent years.

Research commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, “The Role of Assistant Principals: Evidence and Insights for Advancing School Leadership,” found:

• Between 1990–91 and 2015–16, the number of assistant principals increased by 83 percent, from about 44,000 to 81,000; and
• Over the same period, the proportion of schools with the position jumped from one-third to one-half.  

The AP impact has grown, too. Research shows how APs proffer powerful contributions to their school communities. Here are just a few ways they make a difference.

• When APs are empowered with instructional leadership roles, it can boost student achievements and support teacher retention, according to “The Role of Assistant Principals.”
• Increased visibility in the classroom and interactions with students have been associated with improved student behaviors, according to “The Role of Assistant Principals.”
• APs’ ability to build strong relationships with teachers, students, and families is key to positively influencing school climate, according to “Making Your Mark: Advice for New and Tenured Assistant Principals.”

Recognizing APs

NAESP is proud to celebrate a select group of visionary leaders every year as part of its National Outstanding Assistant Principal (NOAP) program.

This year, NAESP recognizes 27 National Outstanding Assistant Principals who have implemented strategies that address the multifaceted challenges of modern education. Their best practices offer a comprehensive blueprint for creating dynamic and effective learning environments.

Delving into the insights shared by these award-winning APs uncovers a wealth of knowledge that spans various crucial aspects of education. Their collective wisdom showcases individual achievements and paints a broader picture of the future of education—one that is inclusive, innovative, and deeply committed to the success of every student.

Here’s a quick glimpse into these APs’ transformative practices that are sure to inspire fellow school leaders across the nation.

1. Data-Driven Decision Making and Personalized Learning

Several APs emphasize the importance of using data to inform decisions and personalize learning experiences:

• Jessica Koch (Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle, Kansas) ensures that teachers regularly share student progress reports and proactively communicate when adjustments are necessary.
• Desiree Olsen (Edgemont Elementary, Utah) holds “data dives” with each grade level to identify students in the zone of opportunity and what they’ll intentionally do to help, as well as evaluate how all tiers of instruction are going and calibrate.
• Stephen Phillips (Holly Hill Elementary, Alabama) leads the Problem-Solving Team to keep a pulse on how our students are doing, not as generic data points but as individuals with unique needs.
• Ja’Net Smith (R.B. Wright Elementary, Georgia) analyzes student performance data, including standardized test scores, formative assessments, attendance records, and behavioral reports to identify achievement gaps and trends.

This data-driven approach allows for targeted interventions and personalized learning plans, as Tory Moix (Greenbrier Middle School, Arkansas) demonstrates with an intervention period using RTI Scheduler for specific, needs-based student grouping.

2. Professional Development and Teacher Support

Many APs focus on supporting and developing their teaching staff. Their efforts underscore the importance of continuous growth and learning for educators themselves.

• Stacey Douglas (Meridian Elementary, Michigan) organizes monthly professional learning communities where teachers watch a video of each other teaching to foster collaboration and improvement.
• Lakeisha Ector (Callaway Middle, Georgia) assigns new educators a mentor to facilitate their professional integration and development.
• Lainey Hanna (Helena Park Elementary, Texas) developed a “campus-wide teacher mentor-mentee program” to support new teachers and promote professional growth.
• Mitchell Hegland (Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion, Minnesota) applies Cognitive Coaching skills, explaining that, first and foremost, the opportunity is one of growth.
• Elisa Zagala (Barcelona Elementary, Arizona) creates a supportive, growth-oriented environment by integrating best practices into teacher evaluations and providing ongoing support.

Fostering a culture of collaboration and reflection among staff ensures that schools remain dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of students.

3. Social-Emotional Learning and Whole Child Approach

Several APs emphasize the importance of addressing students’ social-emotional needs. By providing opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop new skills, these educators are helping to create well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.

• Pamela Cook (Choctaw Elementary, Oklahoma) stresses the importance of being trauma-informed and realizing “we can’t educate a hungry, angry, or scared child.”
• Sonia Matthew (Mary B. Neal Elementary, Maryland) implemented the Move This World Social Emotional Learning Program, which addresses the whole child.
• Hazael Román-Lagunas (Munroe Elementary, Colorado) focuses on whole child initiatives with various leadership and support groups tailored to diverse student needs.

4. Community Engagement and Partnerships

Community engagement emerges as a crucial factor in these successful education strategies. Involving families and local organizations in the process creates a network of support that extends beyond school walls.

• Tiffany Eaton (Danville Elementary, New Hampshire) plans academic nights to educate parents on new educational research and changes in instructional practices.
• Tameka Hamilton (Three Points Elementary, Florida) constructs critical relationships with stakeholders, parents, students, faculty, and staff by being transparent, flexible, consistent, patient, and hardworking.
• Courtney Peckham (Liberty Elementary, Virginia) excels in organizing parent engagement events that go beyond traditional conferences and creating partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.

5. Inclusive Practices and Diversity

Creating inclusive environments and promoting diversity is a priority for APs. This emphasis highlights a growing recognition of the importance of creating learning environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of students. This approach not only enhances the education experience for all students, but it also prepares them for success in an increasingly diverse world.

• Laura Dixon (John Barry Elementary, Connecticut) prioritizes hiring high-quality, diverse teachers to ensure varied perspectives and approaches in the classroom.
• James West (Cascade Elementary, Washington) implements a Universal Design for Learning approach to overcome learning barriers and provides tailored support for multilingual learners.

6. Innovative Learning Environments

Many APs create unique learning opportunities. The innovative programs and activities implemented by many of these leaders demonstrate a commitment to nurturing the whole child.

• Hidi Boteilho (Keonepoko Elementary, Hawaii) coordinated an extended learning opportunity program, incorporating both academic and extracurricular activities, fostering critical thinking and social-emotional learning.
• Lindsay Rice (A.C. Reynolds Middle, North Carolina) implemented an All Class Read program, where each grade level, across all core content areas, reads a common book.
• Jeremy Womer (Haine Middle, Pennsylvania) offers clubs during the school day, including sports clubs such as basketball or hockey to cooking clubs where students use fresh produce from hydroponic units in the building.

7. School Culture and Climate

Creating a positive school environment is crucial for many APs. These efforts are now part of a broader approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of academic success with social-emotional well-being and real-world skills.

• Crystal Carranco (Stagecoach Elementary, Arkansas) co-facilitated building-wide behavior training and implemented a structured Check-In/Check-Out system, leading to a noticeable reduction in classroom disruptions and improved student self-regulation.
• Aubrie Ellis (Mountain View Elementary, Alaska) developed a document dashboard and staff calendar to streamline communication and improve collaboration.
• Dawn Lybarger (Phillis Wheatley Elementary, Delaware) implemented a comprehensive attendance plan with clear procedures for early intervention and incentives to encourage positive attendance behaviors.

8. Innovative Instructional Strategies

Several APs focus on implementing cutting-edge teaching methods:

• Kimberly Baysinger (Neshoba Central Elementary, Mississippi) emphasizes instructional leadership by facilitating strong professional learning communities where teachers engage in meaningful discussions, analyze student performance data, and develop targeted interventions.
• Tessie Bridges (Grassy Pond Elementary, South Carolina) implemented the AVID program, which has created a college and career-readiness culture, cultivated essential academic skills, and fostered a consistent and positive school climate.
• Johnny Horton (Lander Middle, Wyoming) created a system for coaching cooperative learning structures, increasing implementation from 10-15 percent to almost 90 percent.

Their collective wisdom underscores the importance of a holistic approach to education, one that considers the needs of students, teachers, and the broader community. As we look to the future of education, these best practices provide a roadmap for creating schools that are not only academically rigorous but also nurturing, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of all learners.

Want to take a deeper dive into these insights? Visit the NAESP website to read best practices from these 27 award-winning APs.

Nikki Sparks is assistant executive director, Executive Services and Recognition Programs, at NAESP.