MSA Principal of the Year Program

2021 Awards Plans

We wanted to remind you that we will not be launching an application process for the 2021 Awards cycle. We took this approach due to challenges with standardized assessments being suspended, as well as with apprehensions about schools and districts finding the time to complete an application given the pressures of the fall when classes resume.

Meanwhile, we hope that you will us virtually on April 27-30, 2021 when we will be recognizing our 2020 recipients with all the much-deserved “pomp and circumstance.”

2020 Winners

2020 National Magnet Principal of the Year

LISA S. NOFFO
Medical Academy for Science and Technology
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Homestead, Florida

In only eight years, Principal Lisa Noffo has led the Medical Academy for Science and Technology (MAST@Homestead) to be one of the most diverse and successful magnet programs in the state. Having grown from only 68 students in 2010 to 775 students in 2019, the school boasts a 100% graduation rate for the last three classes and an ‘A’ rating in state accountability.

Noffo truly believes in the “Saber Family” and credits all faculty and staff as playing a part in student success. MAST@Homestead was designed to be the first medical research institute to provide opportunities to excel in mathematics and science. The school’s medical theme is evident in all courses, a reflection of the involvement and commitment of both teachers and Noffo’s leadership.

Having worked at magnet schools for the arts, humanities, and computer sciences previously, Noffo witnessed firsthand how themed magnet programs have an immense effect on student success. At MAST@Homestead, her work with community partners led to the creation of simulated labs that successfully provide medical experiences, such as the HALS human patient simulators. She has provided funding for Biomedical instructors to be trained through Project Lead the Way in human body systems, biomedical innovations, and biomedical interventions. Through her leadership and support, all the magnet academy lead teachers have been trained to become CPR Instructors, ensuring that all students are certified prior to graduation. By providing the latest technologies to her student body, students are able to identify human body parts using virtual dissections, simulated therapy consultations using Resusci Anne manikins and integrate tools and software such as Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment length Polyphorism Gel Electrophoresis.

As principal, Noffo has impressed upon the faculty that the medical theme should be carried across the curriculum so that students are encouraged to find that their passion is interdisciplinary. But Noffo also invests in the growth of the district by serving as a mentor to other principals as well as aspiring leaders. She has increased community partnerships and contributes her time and skills to the Florida International University School of Engineering and Baptist Hospital Homestead, as well as non-profits such as Enfamilia, The Mexican American Council, and the Redland Migrant Association. Through these partnerships, students have been afforded guest lectures and benefit greatly from her endeavors outside the school. Under her leadership, MAST@Homestead has become a shining example of the positive impact on community involvement in student achievement.

Congratulations to our 2020 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia

ANGELA O’DOWD

PS 62- The Magnet School for Computer Science and Innovation

Theme(s): Computer Science
Grade(s): PreK-5
New York City Community School District 27 & 29
Queens, New York

—

REGION II

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

LORI CONNER

Theme(s): Communication and Creative Arts
Grade(s): K-5
Tucson Unified School District
Tucson, Arizona

—

REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

LISA S. NOFFO

Medical Academy for Science and Technology

Theme(s): STEM: BioMedical Sciences, iMed, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physical Therapy
Grade(s): 9-12
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Homestead, Florida

—

REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International

DR. KAPPY STECK

Forest Lake Elementary

Theme(s): NASA Explorer School (STEM) and Elementary Learning Collaborative (Accelerated Core Curriculum)
Grade(s): K-5
Richland School District Two
Columbia, South Carolina

—

REGION V

Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

CANDICE HARTLEY

Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts

Theme(s): Visual and Performing Arts
Grade(s): K-5
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

—

REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

VANESSA MARTINEZ

Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet

Theme(s): Dual Language
Grade(s): K-8
Wichita Public Schools – USD 259
Wichita, Kansas

Overview

INNOVATION + QUALITY + EQUITY

Magnet Schools of America’s Magnet Principal of-the-Year (POY) Award annually recognizes an outstanding school leader who has succeeded in providing “innovative programs that promote equity, diversity, and academic excellence for students in magnet schools.”

The award honors a PreK through K-12 Magnet School Principal whose school is a member in good standing of MSA. Candidates must demonstrate excellence within the following criteria:

  • evidence of leadership in promoting equity and diversity among students and staff within the magnet school
  • evidence of leadership toward equitable academic success for all students
  • evidence of leadership in supporting the implementation and sustaining of an innovative magnet program, and
  • evidence of leadership within the district and the magnet community.

 

*Membership inquiries, please email membership@magnet.edu OR call 202.824.0672

Guidelines

ELIGIBILITY

Nominees must be principals who:

  • Are currently serving as a principal at one or more PreK-12 or K-12 Magnet school(s) for a minimum of three (3) years;
  • Demonstrate and encourage curriculum creativity and innovation;
  • Foster cooperation between the school and the community;
  • Maintain a continuing dialogue with students and parents as well as faculty and staff;
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field of education;
  • Encourage team spirit;
  • Demonstrate leadership and exemplify commitment to equity and diversity in classrooms;
  • Continue to play an active role in the classroom; and who
  • Maintain their position as magnet principal throughout the 2019-2020 school year; and attend the national conference of the subsequent year “to pass the torch.” (at the discounted host district rate)

All previous regional recipients are not eligible for three (3) years after being awarded.
All previous monetary recipients are not eligible for five (five) years after being awarded.

NOMINATION PROCESS

  • Nomination application for Principal of the Year must by submitted by the district Magnet Director.
  • Only MSA Members/Districts may submit candidate nominations.
  • Districts may submit only one candidate.
  • A letter of nomination explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award, signed and submitted with the online application at the time of submission.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation: including one from a parent, one from a community partner, AND one from a co-worker or administrator. Each letter must be signed and submitted/uploaded separately with the online application at the time of submission.
  • Nomination (General/Applicant) Information, complete online:
    • Nominee’s Name
    • Nominee’s School
    • School URL
    • School District
    • Elementary or Secondary
    • Grade Level(s)
    • Years as Principal
    • Region
    • Theme(s)
    • School Address
    • Phone/Cell Phone
    • Email
  • Short Professional Bio
    In no more than 50 words.
    Description of what you consider being your greatest education contribution and accomplishment as a magnet principal.
  • Narrative describing your Magnet School
    In no more than 250 words.
  • Description of each Application Criteria (Narrative), see next tab, complete online;
  • Additional Materials, see next tab, upload during online submission;
    • Resume & Photo
    • Signatures

Criteria & Requirements

The following information will be ENTERED ONLINE during the submission process.  The narrative for each criteria must be completed by the candidate or nominator.

Criteria 1: EQUITY & DIVERSITY (25 pts)

In no more than 900 words.

Nominees must present evidence of leadership in promoting equity and diversity among students and staff within the magnet school and also:

  • Involve teachers, staff members, parents, students and the community in achieving the goals of the magnet program;
  • Model the magnet school’s mission to promote equity, diversity and high expectations for academic achievement within the school;
  • Teach, coach, and assist others in professional development that focuses on student learning;
  • Demonstrates collaborative leadership in building capacity for the magnet school; and
  • Plan events that celebrate the diversity of students and staff on campus.

Criteria 2: EQUITABLE ACADEMIC SUCCESS (25 pts)

In no more than 900 words.

Nominees must present evidence of leadership toward equitable academic success for all students and also:

  • Improve teaching and learning by implementing theme based Magnet programs to improve efforts for student achievement;
  • Observe, supervise, and evaluate teachers and the instructional programs to maximize the learning opportunities for every teacher and student;
  • Analyze multiple sources of data to improve instructional practices and outcomes for student achievement;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of teaching, learning and research of innovative programs that maximize student performance; and
  • Facilitate a process of developing and maintaining the co-curricular programs that complement the magnet curriculum while fostering students’ success.

Criteria 3: IMPLEMENTATION & SUSTAINABILITY SUPPORT (25 pts)

In no more than 600 words.

Nominees must present evidence of leadership in supporting the implementation and sustaining of an innovative magnet program and also:

  • Model values, beliefs, and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of performance and exemplifies MSA’s mission;
  • Build sustainable magnet theme-based programs;
  • Include business and industry as part of a school advisory council;
  • Utilize all staff in keeping the theme current; and
  • Encourage and model the integration of technology throughout the curriculum.

Criteria 4: DISTRICT & MAGNET COMMUNITY (25 pts)

In no more than 350 words.

Nominees must present evidence of leadership within the district and the magnet community and also:

  • Promote student achievement at School Board and District meetings;
  • Create structures that enable teachers to develop an appreciation for each student’s abilities;
  • Acknowledge achievement or accomplishments of students, teachers, and school/community members;
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and
  • Develop and maintain dialogue with representatives of diverse community groups.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS & SIGNATURES

CANDIDATE INFORMATION - to be completed online

The following candidate information will need to be populated during the online submission process:

  • Nominee’s Name
  • Nominee’s School
  • School URL
  • School District
  • Elementary or Secondary
  • Grade Level(s)
  • Years as Principal
  • Region
  • Theme(s)
  • School Address
  • Phone/Cell Phone
  • Email

Short Professional Bio
In no more than 50 words.
Description of what you consider being your greatest education contribution and accomplishment as a magnet principal.

Narrative describing you magnet school
In no more than 250 words.

RESUME & PHOTO

Upload PDF during the online submission process.

A basic resume (no more than 3 pages) should accompany the application along with a professional headshot (.jpg, .jpeg or .png) of the Teacher. Resume should include education, administrative experience, professional growth opportunities and dates (i.e., memberships and offices held in professional organizations/associations; professional development activities; publications/articles; leadership positions/roles).

SIGNATURES PAGE

Upload PDF during the online submission process.

Download blank signatures page HERE. Three signatures needed:

  • Nominee Verification
  • Nominee Assurance
  • Magnet Director/Designee

2019 Winners

2019 National Magnet Principal of the Year

2019 Principal of the Year, Dr. Sabrina Suber

Dr. Sabrina Suber, Richland Northeast High School Principal, Richland School District Two, Columbia, South Carolina

As the principal of Richland Northeast High School – an International Baccalaureate school, Dr. Sabrina Suber’s greatest education contribution and accomplishment is watching her students grow into global thinkers and problem solvers. Richland Northeast students come from a rich mix of backgrounds and cultures to create its inclusive community of learners, thinkers, growers and believers.

Dr. Suber has been in a leadership position at Richland Northeast High School for the last 15 years and has been the principal for the last 8 years. The Horizon magnet program has been at Richland Northeast for over 25 years.

It was under Dr. Suber’s leadership and guidance that Richland Northeast became an International Baccalaureate World School. Richland Northeast is also a Nationally Certified Magnet School and earned the MSA School of Excellence seal.

*Sponsored by American Education Solutions

Congratulations to our 2019 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

BOBBY RILEY

Integrated Arts Academy

Theme(s): Integrated Arts
Grade(s): PreK-5
Burlington School District
Burlington, Vermont

REGION II

Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, The District of Columbia and International

CATHERINE THOMAS

Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School

Theme(s): S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
Grade(s): K-5
Baltimore County Public Schools
Towson, Maryland

REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

DEBORAH LEAL

Hammocks Middle School

Theme(s): Pre-Law
Grade(s): 6-8
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami, Florida

REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

DR. SABRINA J. SUBER

Richland Northeast High School

Theme(s): International Baccalaureate, Fine Arts, Media
Grade(s): 9-12
Richland School District Two
Columbia, South Carolina

REGION V

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

JAMIE NOEL

Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School

Theme(s): High School Preparation, College and Career Readiness
Grade(s): 6-8
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin

CYNTHIA GRAVES

McLean Science and Technology Magnet Elementary

Theme(s): Science and Technology
Grade(s): K-5
Wichita Public Schools – USD259
Wichita, Kansas

REGION VII

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

JENNIFER FURMAN-BORN

Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy

Theme(s): S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
Grade(s): 1-5
Clark County School District
Henderson, Nevada

2018 Winners

2018 National Magnet Principal of the Year

Dr. Michael Lofton, Spring Hill High School, School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Michael Lofton is the founding principal of Spring Hill High School, a career pathways magnet school in School District Five that offers five focus programs to students from grades 9-12 including: Engineering, Entertainment, Entrepreneurial, Environmental Studies and Exercise Science academies. Through these academies, students are immersed into high tech, real-world environments which develop core knowledge, ignite imagination and make learning relevant by using themed standards-based curriculum. This approach enhances college and career readiness by guiding students to make critical connections between their educational journey and the dynamic world. Spring Hill is the second highest rated high school in the state and its students consistently perform above state and national averages on SAT, ACT, and AP exams.

*Sponsored by American Education Solutions | Croton on Hudson, New York

Congratulations to our 2018 Regional Principals of the Year:

REGION I

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

ARRIA COBURN

The Springfield Renaissance School
Theme(s): Expeditionary Learning (EL) school with a STEM focus
Grade(s): 6-12
Springfield Public Schools
Springfield, Massachusetts

REGION II

Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, The District of Columbia and International

ERIN O’TOOLE-TRIVAS

Parkville Middle School
Theme(s): Applied Engineering, Sustainable Engineering and Architectural Systems, Visual & Graphic Arts, and Mass Communication
Grade(s): 6-8
Baltimore County Public Schools
Parkville, Maryland

REGION III

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands

RAUL CALZADILLA, JR.

Air Base K-8 Center
Theme(s): International Education; Cambridge Program School
Grade(s): K-8
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Homestead, Florida

REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

MICHAEL LOFTON

Spring Hill High School
Theme(s): Career Pathways
Grade(s): 9-12
School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties
Chapin, South Carolina

REGION V

Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

THERESA COWLING

North Heights Entrepreneurial Leadership Magnet
Theme(s): Entrepreneurial Leadership
Grade(s): 5-6
Texarkana Arkansas School District
Texarkana, Arkansas

REGION VI

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

JEFF PETERSON

Summit View Elementary
Theme(s): Integrated Arts, Design and Creativity
Grade(s): 4K-5
School District of Waukesha
Waukesha, Wisconsin

REGION VII

Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Montano, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

MATT CREASMAN

Northeast Magnet High School
Theme(s): Visual Arts, Law & Public Service and Science
Grade(s): 9-12
Wichita Public Schools
Bel Aire, Kansas

REGION VIII

Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific

RICHARD SANCHEZ

Mansfeld Magnet Middle School
Theme(s): Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Grade(s): 6-8
Tucson Unified School District
Tucson, Arizona

Learn how to become a Nationally Certified Magnet School

Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.

More info!
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