Contact:
Jim Lynch, Executive Director
jimlynch@awsa.org, 608-241-0300
The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Justin Szews of Minocqua’s Lakeland Union High School as the recipient of this year’s Assistant Principal of the Year Award. Mr. Szews received the news during a surprise presentation at his school.
The Wisconsin Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes an assistant principal whose leadership has led to improved student learning, instructional collaboration and a safe and positive school environment. Nominations come from fellow administrators, school board members, teachers, students or parents. The selection criteria include a commitment to personal excellence, collaborative leadership, personalization and curriculum, instruction and assessment. Recipients also demonstrate a commitment to being a respected member of the community.
Serving as assistant principal of Lakeland Union High School for the past eight years, Mr. Szews has worked as a true “team player” to help create a climate of continuous improvement across the school. His efforts have included working with students, staff, parents and other community members to raise the level of achievement in the school, increase school attendance, implement educator effectiveness and improve the school’s graduation rate.
The leadership Mr. Szews offers his school community is collaborative in nature, as he consistently seeks input from all stakeholders.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Szews at Lakeland Union High School and can attest to his commitment to the high level of academics that LUHS espouses and working with students who have a variety of learning styles. Mr. Szews is interactive with students, staff and community members in order to push the mission and vision of LUHS forward,” said James Bouché, superintendent of the Lakeland Union High School District. “We are very proud of Mr. Szews and the accomplishments he has attained in the world of academia.”
The Assistant Principal of the Year Selection Committee includes representatives from the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, the Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators and the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. Considerable support comes from the Meemic Insurance Company.
Mr. Szews will formally accept a plaque at the State Assistant Principals’ Conference on January 25, 2018, in Madison. He will also receive a check for $1,000 to use on a project at his school. Finally, Mr. Szews will represent Wisconsin at the National Principals’ Convention in Chicago, where the 50 national Assistant Principals of the Year will be honored in July.
“We are very grateful to recognize the skill and commitment of school leaders with this annual award,” said Jim Lynch, executive director of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. “Justin’s work and dedication is a testament to how strong leadership is critical to student success throughout Wisconsin.”
