Four principals have been crowned the nation’s best leaders for their ability to improve school culture and close achievement gaps.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals named its 2026 National Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year. The honorees represent Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
Meet the winners:
Middle Level Principal of the Year Sonia Ruiz, Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, Illinois
Ruiz is in her fourth year as the principal, leading with a focus on belonging, equity and shared leadership.
Under her leadership, Jane Addams has earned “Exemplary Status” for three consecutive years, placing the school in the top 10% of schools in Illinois. She believes a strong school culture is built through relationships, belonging and collective responsibility.
She has strengthened systems that support academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and equity for all learners. She serves as the Illinois Principals Association’s diversity and equity chair.
High School Principal of the Year Jason Johnson, Orange High School in Hillsborough, North Carolina
With more than 25 years in education, Johnson has served as a teacher and leader in Chatham and Guilford county schools and as a school transformation coach with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
A two-time Orange County Principal of the Year (2010, 2025), he has also served on the district’s equity task force. His “lead with love” philosophy drives his focus on equity and academic growth for all students.
Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year Bill Toungette, Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, Tennessee
Toungette has served as assistant principal of Woodland Middle School since 1996. Throughout his long tenure, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s culture and supporting its academic vision.
He is recognized for fostering collaboration among teachers, strengthening student support systems, and guiding countless families through the challenges of middle school. Colleagues describe him as dependable, compassionate and unwavering in his commitment to excellence.
His decades of service reflect a deep dedication to education and have had a profound impact on the Woodland Middle School community. His legacy continues to inspire students, staff, and the community.
High School Assistant Principal of the Year Amanda Jamerson, Shorewood High School in Shorewood, Wisconsin.
Jamerson has fostered a restorative, equitable and student-centered school culture throughout her tenure.
Beginning her career as a special education teacher, she brings a deep understanding of inclusive practices and student support systems to her leadership. She has led transformative initiatives that have improved school climate and outcomes, including designing and implementing a restorative actions framework that reduced office discipline referrals by 69% over three years. S
She also co-led the development of a comprehensive cell phone policy that strengthened instructional focus and reduced peer conflict. As the building equity lead, she founded the school’s equity leadership team and co-leads the African American Youth Initiative, expanding mentorship, leadership development and college-readiness opportunities for students across southeastern Wisconsin.
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