4 School Leaders Named National Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has named its 2026 National Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year-four educators whose work offers a ground-level answer to some of the most pressing challenges in American schools today: mental health, student discipline, teacher isolation, and achievement gaps.

The honorees, representing Illinois, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin, were recognized at the National Education Leadership Awards gala in Washington, D.C., on April 18, alongside National Honor Society Scholarship winners, National Association of Student Councils Scholarship winners, the Advocacy Champion of the Year finalists, and State Assistant Principals and Principals of the Year.

"In education, we talk a lot about closing gaps and building culture," said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. "But these four leaders actually did it in real schools, with real kids, under real constraints. That's not a small thing. Effective principals like them add up to three additional months of learning a year for their students. That difference is life changing."

The 2026 National Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year

Middle Level Principal of the Year Sonia Ruiz, Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, IL

Sonia E. Ruiz is in her fourth year as the principal of Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, IL, where she leads with a focus on belonging, equity, and shared leadership. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that every student learns at high levels in safe, supportive, and inclusive school communities. Under her leadership, Jane Addams has earned "Exemplary Status" for three consecutive years, placing the school in the top 10% of schools in Illinois. She believes a strong school culture is built through relationships, belonging, and collective responsibility. She has strengthened systems that support academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and equity for all learners. She serves as the Illinois Principal Association's Diversity and Equity Chair.

High School Principal of the Year Jason Johnson, Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC

Jason Johnson is the principal of Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC, and the North Carolina Principal of the Year. With more than 25 years in education, he has served as a teacher and leader in Chatham and Guilford County Schools and as a school transformation coach with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. He first led Orange High from 2012-16 and returned as principal in 2021, reaffirming his commitment to the school community. A two-time Orange County Principal of the Year (2010, 2025), he has also served on the district's Equity Task Force. His "lead with love" philosophy drives his focus on equity and academic growth for all students.

Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year Bill Toungette, Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, TN

Bill Toungette, EdD, has served as assistant principal of Woodland Middle School in Brentwood, TN, since 1996. Throughout his long tenure, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the school's culture and supporting its academic vision. He is recognized for fostering collaboration among teachers, strengthening student support systems, and guiding countless families through the challenges of middle school. His steady leadership has helped Woodland Middle School grow into a thriving, student-centered community. Colleagues describe him as dependable, compassionate, and unwavering in his commitment to excellence. His decades of service reflect a deep dedication to education and have had a profound impact on the Woodland Middle School community. His legacy continues to inspire students, staff, and the community.

High School Assistant Principal of the Year Amanda Jamerson, Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI

Amanda Jamerson serves as associate principal of Shorewood High School in Shorewood, WI, where she has fostered a restorative, equitable, and student-centered school culture throughout her tenure. Beginning her career as a special education teacher, she brings a deep understanding of inclusive practices and student support systems to her leadership. She has led transformative initiatives that have improved school climate and outcomes, including designing and implementing a Restorative Actions Framework that reduced office discipline referrals by 69% over three years. She also co-led the development of a comprehensive cell phone policy that strengthened instructional focus and reduced peer conflict. As the Building Equity Lead, she founded the school's Equity Leadership Team and co-leads the African American Youth Initiative, expanding mentorship, leadership development, and college-readiness opportunities for students across southeastern Wisconsin.

Research from the Wallace Foundation underscores the critical importance of these exemplary school leaders. Wallace's landmark study, "How Principals Affect Students and Schools," found that effective school leadership is second only to direct classroom instruction among school-based factors in raising student achievement, but with the added benefit of influencing every student in the school. Principal impact is greatest in schools with high percentages of low-achieving students, high rates of poverty, and significant minority student populations. And, on average, students in schools with effective principals gain up to three months of additional learning each year.

For the NASSP Principal of the Year program, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level and one high school principal to represent their state or department. From those nominees, three middle level and three high school finalists are chosen. The NASSP Middle Level National Principal of the Year and High School National Principal of the Year are selected from among the finalists. The award recognizes middle level and high school principals for their outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement, and educational leadership. For more about the program, visit nassp.org/poy.

Photos of finalists are available upon request.

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