U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the 2020 recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. Nine principals from the 2020 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools are joined this year by a special Lifetime Leadership awardee. They will be honored during the National Blue Ribbon Schools virtual awards ceremony on… Continue Reading 2020 Terrel H. Bell Awardees Honored for Outstanding School Leadership
Described as a dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking educator, Christina Small believes an effective leader is a model for teachers, staff, and students. After nearly 50 years as an educator, she believes her ability to be an enthusiastic, continuous learner and to listen with care and empathy are the keys to impacting all groups in a… Continue Reading Christina Small, King Liholiho Elementary School, Honolulu, HI
A personal mission of Dr. Michelle M. Fox is to create a trusting and caring school culture where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and challenged to give their best each day. She believes that when students and staff members feel not only welcomed, but wanted; not only valued, but honored; not only trusted, but empowered, they… Continue Reading Michelle M. Fox, Ridgecrest Elementary School, East Puyallup, WA
Over the course of Ms. Corrine Morrís Saenz’s 18 years in education, she has held several roles including bilingual teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She developed a reputation for being positive, collaborative, tough, caring, and established a proven record of high achievements for all students, regardless of background or circumstance. When she became principal of… Continue Reading Corrine Morris Saenz, Reilly Elementary School, Austin, TX
When Mr. John Ross Wright, Jr. was a classroom teacher, he wanted not only to provide students with tools and resources, but to fully develop and nurture all aspects of a child’s development. He often asked himself, “what would I want for my own children?” He always had a desire to do more and to… Continue Reading John Ross Wright Jr., West Side Elementary School, Elizabethton, TN
Principal Maryann Hayslip believes responsible, caring educators do their best work by meeting students where they are and helping them see their unique abilities to move forward. Her vision for education acknowledges both the struggles and the past successes of each student while keeping a positive approach for future growth. This unified positive approach promotes… Continue Reading Maryann Hayslip, Saint Aloysius School, Pewee Valley, KY
Dr. Michael H. Robinson’s 28-year career as an instructional leader has been defined by his desire to promote equity and build a sense of unity among stakeholders. He has served many communities including public and private schools in several roles, including Special Education teacher, Head Basketball Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Executive Director of School… Continue Reading Michael Robinson, Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, Jonesboro, GA
Leading with purpose is how Ms. Mayra Cruz approaches her position as principal at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School. Described by colleagues as dynamic, Principal Cruz is one of the youngest principals in the District, having taken on the role at the age of 26. Over the last seven years as principal, she has cultivated a shared… Continue Reading Mayra Cruz, Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, Washington, DC
Mrs. Carmen Vargas-Guevara was on a mission to close the achievement gap and make South Street School in Danbury, Connecticut an exemplary model when she joined as principal in 2017. With a community population of over 80 percent Hispanic and other non-native English speakers, she set her sights on bringing a new vision to the… Continue Reading Carmen Vargas-Guevara, South Street School, Danbury, CT
Ms. Carol Leveillee has been in education for over 37 years. Throughout her career she has had the honor of serving schools across the spectrum, including turnaround schools and nationally recognized schools. Principal Leveillee has seen it all, but her devotion to meeting the needs of children has remained a constant guidepost. As she states,… Continue Reading Carol Leveillee, Frederick Douglass Elementary School, Seaford, DE