NASSP Announces Six Finalists for 2025 National Assistant Principals of the Year

Reston, VA - The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) today announced the six finalists for 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year. These exemplary leaders were selected for their outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement and educational leadership. One middle level leader will be selected as the 2025 National Middle Level Principal of the Year, and one high school leader will be selected as the 2025 National High School Principal of the Year.

Middle Level Finalists:

• Julie Johnson, Assistant Principal, Wayzata Central Middle School, Plymouth, Minnesota

• Elizabeth Nelson, Associate Principal, Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

• Justin Tucker, Assistant Principal, Batesville Middle School, Batesville, Indiana

High School Finalists:

• Daniel Beck, Assistant Principal, Upper St. Clair High School, Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania

• Rahsaan Perry, Assistant Principal, West Florence High School, Florence, South Carolina

• La Faye Howard, Assistant Principal, Winston Churchill High School, Potomac, Maryland

"While often working behind the scenes, assistant principals build the foundation for student success," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "They create safe environments, mentor teachers, connect with families and solve problems before they become crises. It's an honor to celebrate these finalists who are the driving force behind their thriving school communities and student success."

The 2025 National NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year will be announced on April 11 at a gala bringing together National Honor Society Scholarship finalists, National Assocation of School Councils Scholarship winners and State Assistant Principals of the Year.

About the Finalists:

Julie Johnson has been an associate principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, MN, for the past four years. Previously, she spent a decade in Mounds View Public Schools as a middle school math teacher, early college preparation instructor, math Interventionist, and instructional strategies facilitator. During her tenure at Central, she has spearheaded the creation of MyTime, a flexible learning program, and organized the school's first two cultural showcases. She has led the building leadership team in strengthening PLC practices, embedding literacy strategies schoolwide, and enhancing professional learning on formative assessments, engagement strategies, and data-driven decision-making.

Elizabeth Nelson has served as associate principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI, since 2020. Previously, she was dean of students at Whitnall High School and taught sixth grade. She is deeply committed to fostering student leadership, belonging, and academic success. Under her leadership, Pilgrim Park offers 35 student-driven clubs, creating opportunities for connection and leadership. She established a behavior management leadership team that redefined expectations and supports, leading to a 40% reduction in behavior referrals. Additionally, she developed a student support structure focused on early intervention and is spearheading the implementation of the Check and Connect engagement program. Her work has contributed to a 12% increase in student-reported belonging and significant academic growth, earning the school a "Significantly Exceeds Expectations" rating on the state report card for two consecutive years.

Justin Tucker is an assistant principal of Batesville Middle School in Batesville, IN, where he has dedicated six years to nurturing a positive learning environment. Previously, he was the assistant principal of Batesville High School. In 2021, he was recognized as the Indiana Association of School Principals District 10 Assistant Principal of the Year. He has made an impact at Batesville Middle by focusing on developing strong procedural operations in the areas of school safety, special education, discipline and alternative education. He strives to create a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.

Dan Beck, EdD, has served as assistant principal of Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh, PA, since 2013. Previously, he taught secondary English and freshman seminar. He is deeply committed to leveraging student voice initiatives to cultivate a sense of belonging within the school community. In 2020, he was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year.

Rahsaan "Saani" Perry is as an assistant principal of West Florence High School in Florence, SC, where he has achieved notable success in both academic growth and community engagement. He has spearheaded the expansion of the STEM magnet program, which has grown by over 60 students, introduced eight new courses, and added four new faculty members. He initiated several key programs, including the Shining Knights program, which recognizes students for excellence in leadership, arts, athletics, academics and community service. He introduced Wellness Weekends, offering students and staff an opportunity to focus on mental and physical health by taking a break from academic and professional responsibilities. He also founded the Sharper Knights male mentoring program to provide guidance and support for students.

La Faye Howard, EdD, is an assistant principal of Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, MD. Previously, she was an English teacher, department chair, and staff development teacher. Her core values are excellence in learning through successful instructional practices, equity in access and supports, and building positive relationships. She has spearheaded work around race and equity by promoting awareness, inclusivity and support through implementing No Place for Hate campaigns, Learning for Justice resources and schoolwide student and staff learning in the Winston Churchill High School culture playbook. As an instructional leader, she recognizes and facilitates discussions around good first instruction, coaching and feedback to promote reflection and continuous improvement.

About the NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year Program:

The NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These assistant principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession.

Each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity and the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools may select one middle level assistant principal and one high school assistant principal to represent their state. An assistant principal of a school that covers both levels must submit for either the middle level or high school award. Applications of state winners are then reviewed by past State Principals of the Year, industry leaders and experts, and NASSP staff.

Additional information about the NASSP National Principal of the Year program can be found at nassp.org/apoy.

Photos and interviews available upon request.