Dissertation Competitions

Congratulations to the 2012 NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer Middle Level and  High School Dissertation Award Winners!
Jacqueline Gale, former principal and presently adjunct professor at Johnson (VT) State College and the Community College of Vermont, is this year’s middle level competition winner. Gale’s research, Examining Principals’Perceptions of Middle Grades Leadership, examines 24 Vermont middle grades principals’ perceptions of leadership in grades 5-8.
Jeffery Ridlehoover, the winner of the high school competition, is an associate principal at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, MN. The premise of the research, The High School Principalship: An Investigation Into the Essential Leadership Characteristics as Determined by High School Principals and the Teachers Whom They Serve, was to quantitatively conclude whether a disconnect existed between what high school principals and teachers believed were the most essential leadership characteristics of the high school principal.

Each year, NASSP holds two competitions for dissertations focused on leadership research at the middle and high school levels. Through these competitions, NASSP seeks to recognize outstanding research that builds on the association's tradition of supporting best middle level and high school leadership practices for school leaders. To view past dissertation winners, visit the dissertation competitions archive.

Dr. Ted Sizer (Photo courtesy of CES website)

NASSP is proud to announce that it has renamed the dissertation award program in memory of Dr. Ted Sizer, who dedicated his life to the education of all students. Dr. Sizer is perhaps best known as the founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES). His work in the development of schools and school leaders makes this dedication particularly appropriate as NASSP recognizes the outstanding research of educators.

The 2013 Dr. Ted Sizer Dissertation Awards will not open until July 1, 2012.

Each award winner will receive:

• Complimentary one-year NASSP membership
• Cash award of $1,000 (member) or $500 (non-member)
• Commemorative plaque
• Press release to the winner's local community newspaper
• The opportunity to have their research findings published

Candidates must submit a completed application and dissertation abstract.

Questions about the competitions should be directed to Carolyn Glascock, glascockc@nassp.org, or (800)-253-7746, ext. 202