2020 Principal of the Year 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

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


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.

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