Every year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals selects leaders from around the country for its State Assistant Principals of the Year award. This year, six middle and high school level APs are being recognized for their contributions to student success, school improvement and education leadership. Meet this year’s finalists.
Middle school finalists
Julie Johnson, Wayzata Central Middle School, Plymouth, Minnesota
Julie Johnson has served as associate principal of Central Middle School for the past four years. She previously spent a decade in Mounds View Public Schools as a middle school math teacher, early college preparation instruction, math intervention and instructional strategies facilitator.
Since joining Central, she’d spearheaded the MyTime program, a flexible learning initiative, and organized the school’s first two cultural showcases. She has played a crucial role in building the school’s leadership team by strengthening PLC practices, embedding literacy strategies schoolwide and enhancing professional learning on formative assessments, engagement strategies and data-driven decision-making.
Elizabeth Nelson, Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Nelson has been Pilgrim Park’s associate principal since 2020 after serving as the dean of students at Whitnall High School and teaching sixth grade. She is passionate about fostering student leadership, belonging and academic success.
Under her leadership, Pilgrim Park now offers 35 student-driven clubs, creating opportunities for connection and leadership. She also created a behavior management leadership team that has resulted in a 40% reduction in behavior referrals.
Furthermore, she’s created a student support structure centered around early intervention and has pioneered the school’s Check and Connect engagement program. This has led to a 12% increase in student-reported belonging and significant academic growth.
Justin Tucker, Batesville Middle School, Batesville, Indiana
Tucker is the AP at Batesville Middle School where he’s been for the past six years. In 2021, he was recognized as the Indiana Association of School Principals District 10 Assistant Principal of the Year.
He’s put a strong focus on developing procedural operations in school safety, special education, discipline and alternative education.
High school finalists
Daniel Beck, Upper St. Clair High School, Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania
Since 2013, Daniel Beck has committed to leveraging student voice initiatives to cultivate a sense of belonging within the district community. Previously, he taught secondary English and a freshman seminar.
In 2020, he was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year.
Rahsaan “Saani” Perry, West Florence High School, Florence, South Carolina
Under his leadership, West Florence High School has achieved notable success in both academic growth and community engagement. Perry has spearheaded the expansion of the STEM magnet program, which has grown by more than 60 students, introduced eight new courses and added four new faculty members.
He also initiated several key programs, including the Shining Knights program, which recognized students for excellence in leadership, arts, athletics, academics and community service. Furthermore, Perry introduced Wellness Weekends, which allow students and staff to focus on mental and physical health by taking a break from academic and professional responsibilities.
Finally, he founded the Sharper Knights male mentoring program to provide guidance and support to students.
La Faye Howard, Winston Churchill High School, Potomac, Maryland
Serving at the AP of Winston Churchill High School, Howard aims to provide excellent learning opportunities through successful instructional practices, equity in access and supports, and building positive relationships.
She has spearheaded work around race and equity by promoting awareness, inclusivity and support through the school’s No Place for Hate campaigns, Learning for Justice resources and schoolwide student and staff learning in the school’s cultural playbook.
As an instructional leader, she facilitates discussions around good first instruction, coaching and feedback to promote reflection and continuous improvement.
Learn more about the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year program here.
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