April 1 marks the beginning of National Assistant Principals Week, and with that comes a celebration from a variety of principal-centered organizations recognizing leaders across the country who are doing exceptional work for their students. This week, these 27 assistant principals are being recognized as “catalysts for positive change.”
The National Association of Elementary School Principals recently announced its “Outstanding Assistant Principals” of 2024, a cohort of 27 educators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.
“We celebrate the exceptional role of assistant principals, catalysts for positive change and vital architects of schools,” NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks said in a news release. “They stand as pillars of support, cultivating a nurturing environment that fosters both academic achievement and emotional well-being.”
This year’s class consists of 20 elementary school APs, six middle school APs and one K8 AP. These leaders—who were nominated by their peers—have at least two years of experience in their roles and “have set high standards for students, colleagues, parents and the community,” a news release reads.
Meet this year’s “outstanding” leaders:
- Michele Hewlett, Chickasaw Elementary School, Alabama
- Chantel Black, Ptarmigan Elementary School, Alaska
- Randi Fielding, Magma Ranch K-8 School, Arizona
- Kristen Barnett, Eastside Elementary School, Arkansas
- Erin Hodges, Douglas MacArthur Junior High School, Arkansas
- Lauren Major, Wildflower Elementary School, Colorado
- Nicole Vibert, West Woods Upper Elementary School, Connecticut
- Kelyn Marmolejo, Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School, Delaware
- Hannah Gomillion, Van R. Butler Elementary School, Florida
- Amanda Smith, Black’s Mill Elementary School, Georgia
- April Smith, Lee County Middle School West, Georgia
- Jennifer Pimentel, Lana’i High and Elementary School, Hawaii
- Robert Bielawa, Henri A. Yelle Elementary School, Massachusetts
- Nicole Manning, West Springfield Middle School, Massachusetts
- Amy Blackledge, East Jackson Elementary School, Michigan
- Brett Lobben, Prairie View Elementary School, Minnesota
- Lindsey Millbrooks, DeSoto Central Elementary School, Mississippi
- Leanna Mackelprang, Shirley A. Barber Elementary School, Nevada
- Kelli Glisan, J.V. Washam Elementary School, North Carolina
- Josh Kitzman, Edison and John Hoeven Elementary Schools, North Dakota
- Andrew Kirby, Lionville Middle School, Pennsylvania
- Tomeka Love, Red Bank Elementary School, South Carolina
- Melissa Seaver, John Sevier Middle School, Tennessee
- Michael Joannou, Van Raub Elementary School, Texas
- Megan Thompson, Thoroughgood Elementary School, Virginia
- Nicholas Davies, Ogden Elementary School, Washington
- Megan Park, Gannett Peak Elementary School, Wyoming
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