Executive Director Gerald N. Tirozzi

Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi is the Executive Director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). NASSP is the preeminent organization and the national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders. A native of Connecticut, Dr. Tirozzi has an extensive background in the educational field and is a nationally recognized leader in education reform.

Prior to joining NASSP in March 1999, Dr. Tirozzi held a variety of positions in the field of education. These included: Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education (1996-1999); Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut (1993-1995); President of Wheelock College (1991-1993); Commissioner of Education in Connecticut, (1983-1991); Superintendent of New Haven (CT) Public Schools (1977-1983). Early in his career, Tirozzi also served as science teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

Dr. Tirozzi serves on a number of national educational advisory boards, task forces, and professional organizations. Some of these include: the Educational Research Service, the League, the Learning First Alliance, Pearson Education National Policy Board, the USA Today Education Advisory Panel, and the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Schools Advisory Council.

Dr. Tirozzi is the author of numerous articles on educational topics that have been published in educational and scholarly journals. Some of these writings have been collected in the publication, Reflections on School Leadership.

Dr. Tirozzi’s public service and leadership have been recognized by a number of state and national organizations. Some of these include: the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Horace Mann League, the U.S. Department of Education, Michigan State University, and the Connecticut Legislature.

Dr. Tirozzi holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Administration and Higher Education from Michigan State University. He has a Sixth Year Certificate in Education Administration from Fairfield University in Connecticut. He received a Master of Arts Degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University.