The Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2016 Middle and High School Principals of the Year.  Congratulations to these two outstanding administrators!

• David Pearson, Principal, Ellington Middle School – 2016 Middle School Principal of the Year

• Alan Strauss, Principal, The Gilbert School, Winsted – 2016 High School Principal of the Year

The Elementary Principal of the Year will be named in April.
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DAVID PEARSON

David Pearson, principal of Ellington Middle School (EMS), has been named the 2016 Middle School Principal of the Year. Nominated for the award by his superintendent, Dr. Scott Nicol, Pearson was chosen for his strong academic leadership skills, his acute intellectual curiosity, and his visionary school reform efforts. A 21-year veteran school administrator, Pearson is a recognized and respected voice in public education in Connecticut; and, his influence extends far beyond the walls of EMS. Says Vice Chair of the Ellington Board of Education Tracey Kiff-Judson, “Dave is a thought leader in our district. He has established an environment at Ellington Middle School that is not only emulated by other schools in our district but other schools across the state.”

Upon hearing of his selection for this award, Pearson stated, “I am honored to be recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools as the lead learner of Ellington Middle School. I feel fortunate to work in a school with an extraordinary student-centered faculty and staff that every day lives the Ellington Public School District motto, ‘Where Children Come First.’”

Pearson is the first administrator in Connecticut’s history to have received the Assistant Principal of the Year Award, Outstanding First Year Principal Award and Principal of the Year Award. He was named the state’s top assistant principal in 2001 when we was associate principal of Timothy Edwards Middle School in South Windsor; and, he was selected as the middle level outstanding first-year principal in 2003 as principal of Two Rivers Magnet Middle School in East Hartford.

Since his appointment as principal of EMS in 2005, Pearson has transformed the instructional systems and structures there, moving away from the traditional junior high model to one predicated on effective teaming practices, integrated instruction and parent engagement. His efforts to minimize leveling practices have led to a dramatic increase in the number of 8th grade students completing Algebra 1and to English/Language Arts and mathematics test scores that are consistently at the top of DRG C. Pearson also led the EMS community in the successful implementation of a standards-based grading system as a means to promote self-directed learning and student acquisition of 21st century skills. As a result of Pearson’s efforts and leadership, EMS launched its first student-led conferences this fall, achieving a record 98.8% parent-participation rate (up from 36% the previous year).

Thanks to Pearson, EMS is the exemplar of a powerful adult learning community. He constantly challenges himself and his staff to pursue personal and professional growth opportunities. His popular book club draws eager staff members looking to explore a wide range of education topics and engage in collegial conversations grounded in reading, research and best practices. According to Director of Educational Services Erin McGurk, “David is a voracious reader and learner who has established an incredible professional learning culture in his school. Teachers flock to his book clubs as well as leading the conversations themselves. He models the idea that, in order to support student learning, every educator must be a learner.” Adds Michael Nash, district instructional technology specialist, “There is no other person in the school who is as passionate and well-read about current educational trends than Mr. Pearson. He takes his role as ‘lead learner’ very seriously. Through his own professional learning he shares relevant titles and information with staff members on a regular basis. There is truly a professional learning culture at Ellington Middle School.”

A gifted collaborator and mentor, Pearson embraces the premise that an important function of leadership is to produce more leaders. He makes his staff members feel that they are at the very heart of the decision-making process, that they make a difference in the lives of their students and in the success of the school. Notes Nash, “One of Mr. Pearson’s greatest strengths is his ability to involve staff members in the process of continual growth that leads to systemic change. Mr. Pearson is a strong believer in creating teacher leaders. While he provides a strong vision for the school, he also builds the capacity of his staff by encouraging his teachers to present their ideas at PD sessions or faculty meetings. It is no coincidence that many of the teachers at the middle school are considered leaders in district level initiatives.”

ALAN STRAUSS

Alan Strauss, principal of The Gilbert School (TGS) in Winsted, has been named the 2016 CAS High School Principal of the Year. He was selected for his unwavering commitment to educational excellence, his insistence on high standards and his unrelenting belief in every child’s capacity to succeed. Strauss has achieved the distinction of winning both the Outstanding First Year Principal Award and the Principal of the Year Award. He received the first-year principal award in 2013 following a very successful inaugural year at TGS. Superintendent Dr. Anthony Serio calls Strauss “the best instructional leader and most innovative and forward thinking educator that I have had the pleasure to work with.”

Reacting to the news of his award, Strauss stated, “While I cherish my role as principal of The Gilbert School, I remain a teacher at heart. I know the invaluable role that good, passionate teachers bring to a child’s education; and, my success is the team’s success. Being surrounded by such a talented and emotionally-invested team of educators makes it a pleasure to come to work at The Gilbert School every day. I am honored and humbled to represent this faculty, staff, student body and incredibly supportive community in receiving this prestigious honor.”

Since his appointment as principal in 2012, Strauss has inspired TGS to new heights of achievement by creating a clear vision, working towards implementing that vision, and empowering others to work alongside him. Through passion and focus, he has united the entire school community in a collaborative effort to build a student-centered, engaging, inclusive and academically rigorous school. Believing that, with the proper supports, all students can overcome any obstacles they may face in their daily lives, he constantly challenges students to higher levels of learning and inspires teachers to higher levels of practice. Says Associate Principal Susan Sojka, “Alan believes to his core that no matter what a child’s background, socio-economic status or cognitive ability, that EVERY student can and WILL be successful and that EVERY faculty and staff member will work together to make sure that happens.” Gilbert parent Dori Smith asserts, “Mr. Strauss’ most impressive accomplishment has been his ability to significantly raise the level of academic rigor at Gilbert.”

Strauss is an administrator who cares deeply about the academic, social and emotional well-being of every student in his building. Highly visible and wholly immersed in the life of the school, he is a constant presence in the corridors, classrooms and cafeteria. He can also be found at most sports events and after-school activities, whether they are on- or off-site, using every available opportunity to interact with and build relationships with his students.

Smith, who was one of fifteen individuals who nominated Strauss for the award, describes Strauss as “the most hands-on principal I have ever met. He knows every student, the sports and activities they participate in and what they plan to do upon graduation. His depth of knowledge about his students allows him to provide the right balance of rigor, guidance and encouragement.” Adds senior Isabelle Rein, “Mr. Strauss has breathed new life into Gilbert and filled the student body with hope. He has made a point to learn every student’s name, and is always visible in the halls greeting students. He travels far and wide on weekends, often with his young son, to attend our marching band competitions, robotics events and athletic contests.”

During his short tenure at Gilbert, Strauss has skillfully unified those around him in the pursuit of excellence and has succeeded in making dramatic, systemic changes that have resulted in improved test scores, rigorous academic offerings, expanded enrichment opportunities and a school culture predicated on positive relationships. The astounding increase in graduation rate during Strauss’ tenure (from 78% in 2012 to 93% in 2015) is a compelling indicator of his impact. He currently teaches AP Psychology at Gilbert, which allows him to stay attuned to the needs of both his students and his teachers.

Strauss’ powerful influence is best captured by these comments from Rein: “Mr. Strauss encourages us to challenge ourselves and collectively ‘raise the tide.’ He is a visionary who embraces challenge and is excited by change. He has improved our school climate and he is loved.”

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State Principal of the Year Program
The Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools, was established in 1984 to bring recognition to the principalship and to spotlight the important role of the principal in shaping the educational environment and experiences of children. The program recognizes outstanding school principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership, commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Each year nominations are solicited for an Elementary, Middle and High School Principal of the Year. The winners are chosen by a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals. State principals of the year must demonstrate success in the areas of collaborative leadership; personal excellence; curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and personalization.

Pearson and Strauss will be honored by CAS at the “Celebration of Distinguished Administrators” to be held in October.

National Principal of the Year Program
Strauss will represent Connecticut in the National Principal of the Year Award Program sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He will compete for the national honor along with principals from each of the other forty-nine states, as well as the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, and the Department of State Overseas Schools. The national winner and two finalists will receive a cash award which must be used to improve learning at the recipients’ school. NASSP will honor state principals of the year at an Institute in Washington DC, September 11-14, 2016. This event salutes principals and serves as a forum to share their experience and expertise with each other, with national leaders in education, and with federal legislators.