Michigan Educator Named National Assistant Principal of the Year

Larry Wonder (left), vice president of sales at Virco Inc., and NASSP Executive Director Gerald N. Tirozzi (right) awarded the National Assistant Principal of the Year award to Daniel Matthews during the 2005 NASSP Convention.

Described by colleagues as the "heart and soul" of his school, Daniel Matthews, assistant principal at Northview High School in Grand Rapids, MI, received the 2005 NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year award at the Second General Session of the 2005 NASSP Convention.

Matthews' selection was based in part on a "family plan," in which he meets with more than 115 students and their parents on an individual basis before or after school every three weeks to monitor progress and promote success.

Despite the tribute, Matthews believes his greatest accomplishments "are not measured in personal honors and awards, but are derived from the countless daily events and challenges he faces as an assistant principal," said NASSP President Cynthia Rudrud, when she presented the award.

Two other assistant principals were honored as finalists. "I do not envy the role of our judging panel, as all three of these assistant principals are outstanding," Rudrud said. The other finalists for the award were Robin Martin, assistant principal at Moanalua High School in Honolulu, HI, who helped develop an innovative professional development plan for her school, and Lois Short of Burrillville High School in Harrisville, RI, who also serves as guidance director, special education administrator, and curriculum and strategic planning support specialist.

Matthews was awarded $5,000 from Virco Inc., the program's sponsor, which he can use in his school or for personal professional development.

The search for the National Assistant Principal of the Year began late last year when each state principals' association selected its State Assistant Principal of the Year for success in collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The three finalists were then selected from that pool of winners. The state and national winners will also be honored at a black-tie event in Washington, DC, in the spring.

For more information about the program, visit the Awards section of www.principals.org.