MADISON — The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) has named Catherine Loss as the 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year.
Loss serves as principal of Lloyd Barbee Montessori School in Milwaukee Public Schools. Over the past 14 years, she has led the transformation and growth of the school into a thriving K-8 Montessori program grounded in equity, community, and a whole-child approach to education.
Under Loss’s leadership, Lloyd Barbee Montessori has grown from fewer than 200 students to more than 420 and has demonstrated strong academic progress. The school currently exceeds expectations on the Wisconsin State Report Card and has shown significant student growth, with value-added scores indicating students are progressing more quickly than their peers statewide.
Loss has also led efforts to support historically underserved students, contributing to improved outcomes and positioning the school to meet all criteria for exiting Comprehensive Support and Improvement status.
“Catherine is a dedicated and compassionate leader who has built a strong, inclusive school community focused on student success,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius. “Her commitment to Montessori principles, academic excellence, and supporting the whole child has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and families.”
Loss is known for her supportive leadership style and commitment to developing both staff and students. She has strengthened instructional practices through initiatives such as Montessori Reading Acceleration, Orton-Gillingham training, and professional learning communities, while also prioritizing trauma-sensitive practices and social-emotional learning. Her work has helped foster a positive school climate, with high levels of staff and family engagement and a strong culture of respect and inclusion.
Before becoming principal in 2012, Loss served as an assistant principal, literacy coach, and educator within Milwaukee Public Schools. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and additional credentials in administrative leadership and Montessori education.
She is also a leader in the broader Montessori community, having served as president of the Wisconsin Montessori Association and presenting at regional and national conferences.
“On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to congratulate Catherine Loss on being named the 2026 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to students and families, creating a school where all learners can grow and succeed. Her leadership is an inspiration.”
The announcement was made at a ceremony at Lloyd Barbee Montessori School on Wednesday, April 8.
Supported by the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, the Principal of the Year award recognizes school leaders who have helped drive student learning, foster instructional collaboration, and create safe and positive school environments. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to professional excellence, leadership skills, and service to their communities.
Each year, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators are asked to nominate principals for the award. The recipients are selected by a committee made up of representatives of parents and classroom, school, and district leaders. To learn more about the award, visit https://awsa.memberclicks.net/principal-of-the-year.
