MSA Principal of the Year Program

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

REGION II

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

REGION III

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

REGION IV

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee

REGION V

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

REGION VI

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

REGION VII

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

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