Meet Your 2021 NASSP Principal of the Year Finalists
August 24, 2020
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is excited to announce the three finalists for the 2021 National Principal of the Year (POY). These school leaders have been selected for their exemplary work in ensuring the success and well-being of students and adults in their learning communities
The NASSP POY program begins every spring as each state’s principal association selects its State Principal of the Year. From this pool of state award winners, a panel of judges selects three finalists as contenders for the National Principal of the Year Award.
Here are your 2021 POY finalists:
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Adam Clemons
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When Adam Clemons became principal of Piedmont High School in 2013, he set out to help kids feel socially connected, be academically successful, and have an advantage as they enter college or the workforce. He implemented a 30-minute advisory period that allows teachers and paraprofessionals to build relationships that support students academically, psychologically, and emotionally. He also helped implement mental health counseling services at local schools and training for teachers. |
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Richard Gordon took the helm as principal of Paul Robeson High School in 2013 after the school narrowly escaped permanent closure. Gordon designed a strategic response plan that embraced prevention and intervention measures and ultimately transformed the school. A district partnership provides additional supervision for students traveling to and from school, and a community partnership with a mental health therapy program provides trauma support for students. |
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Richard Gordon |
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Michelle Kefford |
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Michelle Kefford established programs at her school for both staff and students where people can meet with her in person and ask questions, provide feedback, and share their ideas and vision for the school. Kefford also introduced a mentoring program that pairs low-performing with high-performing students. Kefford believes that if members of the school community feel valued, respected, appreciated, and loved, the teachers will give more, the students will learn more, and the school will be an amazing place.
Click here to learn more about the finalists. |