Meet the 2010 NASSP/Virco National Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists
The role of the assistant principal has changed dramatically in the past decade; today’s assistant principals are involved in all aspects of education, including curriculum development, research, personalization, and school-community relationships.
The finalists for the 2010 NASSP/Virco National Assistant Principal of the Year award program stand out in their ability to excel in this ever-demanding role. The winner will be announced during the 2010 NASSP Convention.
Nathan T. McCann, Personalizing Education
Guided by the philosophy that everyone strives to greater heights when given the opportunity, Nathan McCann searches for every chance to help students and staff members reach their personal, academic, and professional goals.
One way he helps students reach their goals is by personalizing the learning environment. This dedication to serving each and every student shows in the programs he has developed and nurtured at Flowing Wells High School. For example, he is leading an effort to revamp the curriculum—which is based in large part on student feedback—to develop more relevant coursework for students—And, he works with counselors daily to help ensure that every Flowing Wells graduate participates in some kind of postsecondary education experience.
By working with the special education teachers, McCann shows his commitment to increasing rigor within the resource classrooms as well. “I challenge teachers to spend more time at the higher levels of thinking, facilitating more complex student thinking using real-world examples,” he explained. “I work to ensure that each student has the best possible chance of realizing success by taking into account the needs of individual learners.”
Flowing Wells Principal Jim Brunenkant said that McCann is a “high visibility administrator” who “understands that adults and young people are more motivated to excel when they are in an environment that addresses the development of the whole person.”
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Jeffrey W. Meisenheimer, Collaborating for Success
Collaborative leadership is one of the greatest strengths of the Lee’s Summit High School administrative team, and Jeff Meisenheimer is a major factor in promoting collaboration and teamwork.
During his tenure at Lee’s Summit, he has not only participated on but also developed and facilitated a variety of high-functioning teams. He has worked with teachers to pilot a no-zeroes policy in their classrooms; to decrease discipline and nurture positive relationships with students; to create individual plans for students who are struggling academically, socially, and behaviorally; and to guide and implement professional development at Lee’s Summit.
“The most gratifying collaborative team I have facilitated is comprised of a heterogeneous group of students working to improve our state assessments scores,” he said.
Meisenheimer’s commitment to collaborative leadership helped guide the school’s eight-year journey to implement sound instructional strategies, differentiation, and essential learning in the spirit of helping all students succeed.
Lee’s Summit Principal John Faulkenberry described Meisenheimer as a strong instructional leader, dedicated relationship builder, and exceptional long-range thinker who has helped transform Lee’s Summit into a true professional learning community.
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Lisa A. Puccetti, Leading for Achievement
“In a competitive, global society, we must prepare our students to transition to adult life with all the skills and resources necessary to succeed,” Lisa Puccetti said.
As an instructional leader at Southern High School Magnet Career Academy, she has created and implemented many programs for students and teachers that help fulfill the school’s goal of providing a rigorous and relevant learning experience for all students.
Puccetti’s efforts to expand the AP program has more than doubled the number of AP classes and helped close the achievement gap at Southern. She also has implemented procedures to make data analysis less intimidating and easier for teachers to link to instructional practice. State test scores are crucial, and Puccetti rewards students who do well on assessments by offering incentives that all students can attain.
Recognizing the importance of student empowerment, Puccetti developed a team of students who are trained in peer conferencing and writing instruction. When teachers assign writing projects in their classrooms, they may request the help of these students.
Jerry Keepers, Southern’s principal, added that Puccetti is “a forward thinker and planner, setting and enforcing high standards for all. She helps maintain a learning environment by supporting teachers as they help our students develop and grow.”
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With support from school furniture manufacturer Virco Inc., each finalist is an honored guest at the 2010 NASSP Convention, where a final round of interviews will determine the National Assistant Principal of the Year. The two finalists will each receive a $1,500 award and the winner will receive a $5,000 award to be used to improve learning at his or her school.