Robert D. OwenAlabama

“I set high standards and tell my teachers that I expect very little of them- they only need to

do whatever it takes to make Rockwell Elementary School the

best school in our school system.”

Barbara PileAlaska

“We are discovering that the time and effort that have gone into restructuring our school has resulted in a continuous

climb in student achievement.”

Lee K. NelsonArizona

“I also believe in ‘data of the heart,’ which could include ‘a student’s smiling face, tear-streaked cheeks, brand new

shoes, skinned knee, or forgotten lunch money. All types of data are needed to positively impact student

achievement’.”

Sherrie D. BaylesArkansas (E)

“Each educator in our building has the responsibility to be the

best instructional leader possible, and it’s my job to provide them with the staff

development, resources, and support.”

Michelle Owens HaywardArkansas (M)

“As a classroom walk-through trainer, I participate in

reflective dialogues with teachers as I visit every classroom every week.”

Richard S. JuddCalifornia

“We make decisions together and all share a common goal in serving students. This includes

a successful behavior management program that each month recognizes students for displaying good character.”

Holly M. HultgrenColorado

“When a school has many diverse programs and

populations, including English-language learners, struggling readers, and special education students, it is essential to work

together to support all learners.”

Norma M. Fisher-Doiron Connecticut

“There is a clear commitment to develop in every child respect

for and appreciation of others, a positive attitude toward

learning, academic skills, reflective thinking, and coping

skills.”

Richelle F. Talbert Delaware

“My job is to ensure increased rigor and fidelity to the

curriculum as our educational standards need to keep pace

with worldwide change.”

Wayne RyanDistrict of Columbia

“Parents enjoy a high place of distinction in the Noyes school

community.”

Jean Preston MillerGeorgia

“Today, we have a true community school with a staff

that always puts children’s needs at the forefront.”

Ruth L. Silberstein Hawaii

“Instead of seeing the shortcomings of the students, the focus became, ‘How do we help

our students succeed?’”

Deborah K. Long Idaho

“Our school’s roadmap for success is not based on a hope and a dream, but rather on a systematic plan of action.”

William C. Barney Illinois

“The teachers’ greater involvement in school

leadership has improved their job satisfaction and the school

climate.”

Glenda Sue ReisIndiana

“We have transformed into a true professional learning

community with a shared vision, goals, and communication for the benefit of our children.”

Nancy Hayes GardnerIowa

“I have faced numerous challenges, but the academic

achievements and pride of our dual-language students have

made all my efforts worthwhile.”

Sandy K. AlmosKansas

“Fortunately, I was blessed with an amazing staff. We jumped into school improvements with everything we had. Everyone

was involved.”

Jo Price CravenKentucky

“A school could have all the materials and fiscal support in the world, but without qualified

personnel to implement the program, students would not

succeed.”

Nancy D. RialsLouisiana

“I am honored to be an advocate for the importance of

an administrator’s role to ensure that every child has a

quality teacher and meaningful learning opportunities.”

Gary P. OswaldMaine

“My philosophy is don’t take yourself too seriously and

always use common sense when dealing with all avenues of

education and life in general.”

Carol L. LeveilleeMaryland

“I firmly believe that character should be a top priority in a school’s purpose. If my staff

and students aren’t feeling and showing respect, the school

cannot reach the highest level of success.”

Leslie J. Clark-YvonMassachusetts

“I never lose sight of my primary responsibility and the

job title ‘principal teacher’ because I am first and foremost

a teacher.”

Stephen A. AndersonMichigan

“Our school atmosphere provides an environment of

collaboration, community, and commitment to learning.”

Gail M. SworMinnesota

“Providing us with an opportunity to reflect on the best practices used in our teaching was a cooperative effort of our

staff, parents, and community.”

Lisa B. LuciusMississippi

“If I am helping to make a child’s life better, then it is

worth every minute of my time.”

Donna L. JahnkeMissouri

“Taking a systems approach to professional development, I

initiated building-wide training that includes writing workshops,

behavior intervention teams, and strategies for closing achievement gaps among

different student populations.”

James H. O’NeillMontana

“Students must be handled with care and polished with praise.”

Jerry A. BergstromNebraska

“Engaging with our diverse community to address issues of

social justice is, to me, the essence of my life’s work.”

Lisa H. PrimasNevada

“I led a team comprising of teachers, other staff members, parents, and the school’s new

business partner to create what I call ‘a neighborhood school

for all in the community to take responsibility for and pride

in.’”

Daniel J. LaFleurNew Hampshire (E)

“I have found that being respectful and a good listener is imperative to the overall success of our new school community.”

William J. TironeNew Hampshire (M)

“The citizens of Ashland face many difficult socioeconomic

challenges. Yet, the parents and community members continue to value education and support the

school.”

Effie S. Jenkins-SmithNew Jersey

“I promote the philosophy of teaching to the standards and

not to the test...in order to close the achievement gap.”

Raul C. SanchezNew Mexico

“I like to point out how good coaches (principals) use data to create winning strategies and make necessary adjustments to

be victorious.”

Thomas P. KompNew York (E)

“Student learning data are used effectively, consistently, and

objectively to drive instruction. This is how we continue to

reshape our programming to meet the needs of all students.”

Jeffrey S. CraigNew York (M)

“The trick is to take care of managerial responsibilities as invisibly as possible. What the principal should be seen doing

is leading the school on its continuous journey toward

instructional improvement.”

Lori D. HowardNorth Carolina

“I can boast of having one of the top teacher retention rates in the county; a distinction I have achieved by addressing

their individual needs, providing opportunities for their

professional growth, and advertising their strengths so that they can assist others in

areas of need.”

David M. HansonNorth Dakota

“Once children feel safe and important, then the important task of educating them to their fullest potential can begin.”

M. Beth Johnson-ChristoffOhio

“We are teaching our students the importance of democratic participation, that problem-

based learning is an effective way to reach goals, and that it

does make a positive difference.”

Sandra L. KentOklahoma

“Recognizing a need for change, I have adopted an

approach of working closely with staff members and families to help each child be successful

not only for today, but for a lifetime.”

Anita M. HarrisOregon

“My planning team and I set five priorities that continue to

guide the work of this suburban K-5 school: having a shared vision for student success;

having teachers act as leaders; having parents act as partners;

having a school climate that promotes learning; and having a coherent, effectively delivered

curriculum.”

Patrick M. GraczykPennsylvania

“I credit efforts that have helped transform the school

culture from one of anger and blame to one of celebration and

understanding.”

Michael A. LazzareschiRhode Island

“I paved the way for shared responsibility and the creation of what I call ‘a collaboration

between all community stakeholders’, to create equal

educational opportunities for all students, to encourage the

development of an innovative and responsive school

environment, and to reverse the myth that the public school in our community could not be

considered a choice.”

Michelle A. WilsonSouth Carolina (E)

“We have a productive work environment where students are

encouraged to believe and achieve, and staff members are supported in their professional

development.”

Nancy L. TurnerSouth Carolina (M)

“Good enough isn’t! I don’t want to be satisfied…I want to

be amazed!

Norman C. GrahamSouth Dakota

“Empowering teachers to take leadership positions within the staff has helped build a culture of ownership and responsibility

for the success of all our children.”

Barbara Corso IdeTennessee (M)

“I continue to focus my energy on cultivating a school climate that supports optimal teaching

and learning, while maintaining a commitment to modeling

enthusiasm and hard work to reach student achievement

goals.”

Michelle M. Aube-BartonTexas

“As the instructional leader, I consciously have been

instrumental in supporting others to form effective teams who are self-directed learners

and deliver quality instruction.”

Helene H. Van NatterUtah

“It is important to me that I meet the needs of my teachers so that they can focus on meeting the needs of their students.”

Wayne T. CookeVermont (E)

“Fair Haven Grade School has become a vibrant center of the rural community. In fact, the school has developed such a

strong reputation for its welcoming and student-centered

environment that it attracts families to settle in the area.”

Jacquelyne W. WilsonVermont (M)

“I believe that our success is largely due to three major factors: a commitment to reading, teacher-driven

interventions to address student learning needs, and the formation of a vibrant

parent/community partnership.”

Linda S. HayesVirginia

“I am grateful for the ability to inspire and motivate others to take the steps necessary for

positive change.”

Paula Crews BondWashington

“What makes me most proud are the times when I have

witnessed the joy and engagement students have

experienced when involved in real self-directed work.”

Michael D. WhiteWest Virginia

“Holden Central belongs to students, staff, parents, and the community. We all have a stake

in its success or failure.”

Nanette L. BunnowWisconsin

“Schools need their communities, and communities

need their schools.”

Vesta E. DemesterWyoming

“I created positive changes in the school atmosphere by

demonstrating a strong and sincere commitment to trust and honesty in my relationships with

staff and community.”

Cheryl Wells CollinsIllinois (Private)

“My students understand that they must always strive to do their best so that their futures

will be filled with possibilities.”

Patricia E. BradyMissouri (Private)

“I ensure that the children see me pray, see me serve, and see

me share with them what I believe.”

Janet B. LeetMissouri (Private)

“I have exercised effective school leadership through what I call a ‘ministry of presence.’

This includes being highly visible and available to the

families of my suburban K-5 school.”

Linda M. Cotellessa FreebesNew York (Private)

“My school family is an extension of my own family.

Through this climate, Catholic values and doctrine flourish.”

Susan M. AhartKentucky (DoDEA)

“Our teachers have become proficient in using data from

student assessments to monitor and support the children’s

academic progress. Likewise, our students have learned to

become proficient in understanding their own

assessments and applying data to improve their learning.”

Marcene L. ParejaBolivia (DOS)

“A principal must choose between doing it all, not

necessarily well, or providing others with leadership

opportunities. I use the latter approach and believe we all

benefit by sharing leadership.”

Mary E. RussmanThe Netherlands (DOS)

“I do what it takes to make certain that [health and social]

issues are minimized so learning can take place.”