National Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

2025 Middle Level National Assistant Principal of the Year finalists 

Julie Johnson 
Wayzata Central Middle School 
Plymouth, MN   

Grades: 6-8 
Students: 1,359 students 
Region: Suburban

Julie Johnson has been an associate principal of Central Middle School in Wayzata, MN, for the past four years. Previously, she spent a decade in Mounds View Public Schools as a Middle School Math teacher, early college preparation instructor, math Interventionist, and instructional strategies facilitator. During her tenure at Central, she has spearheaded the creation of MyTime, a flexible learning program, and organized the school’s first two cultural showcases. She has led the building leadership team in strengthening PLC practices, embedding literacy strategies schoolwide, and enhancing professional learning on formative assessments, engagement strategies, and data-driven decision-making. 

2025 High School National Assistant Principal of the Year finalists 

Daniel Beck 
Upper St. Clair High School 
Upper St. Clair, PA 

Grades: 9-12 
Students: 1,265 
Region: Suburban 
 
Dan Beck, EdD, has served as assistant principal at Upper St Clair High School in Pittsburgh, PA, since 2013. Previously, he taught secondary English and freshman seminar. He is deeply committed to leveraging student voice initiatives to cultivate a sense of belonging within the school community. In 2020, he was named the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils Principal of the Year. 

Elizabeth Nelson 
Pilgrim Park Middle School 
Elm Grove, WI 

Grades: 6-8 
Students: 903 
Region: Suburban 
 
Elizabeth Nelson has served as associate principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI, since 2020. Previously, she was dean of students at Whitnall High School and taught sixth grade. She is deeply committed to fostering student leadership, belonging, and academic success. Under her leadership, Pilgrim Park offers 35 student-driven clubs, creating opportunities for connection and leadership. She established a behavior management leadership team that redefined expectations and supports, leading to a 40% reduction in behavior referrals. Additionally, she developed a student support structure focused on early intervention and is spearheading the implementation of the Check and Connect engagement program. Her work has contributed to a 12% increase in student-reported belonging and significant academic growth, earning the school a “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” rating on the state report card for two consecutive years. 

La Faye Howard 
Winston Churchill High School 
Potomac, MD 

Grades: 9–12 
Students: 2,189 
Region: Suburban 
 
La Faye Howard, EdD, is an assistant principal of Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, MD. Previously, she was an English teacher, department chair, and staff development teacher. Her core values are excellence in learning through successful instructional practices, equity in access and supports, and building positive relationships. She has spearheaded work around race and equity by promoting awareness, inclusivity, and support through implementing No Place for Hate campaigns, Learning for Justice resources, and schoolwide student and staff learning on the Winston Churchill High School culture playbook. As an instructional leader, she recognizes and facilitates discussions around good first instruction, coaching, and feedback to promote reflection and continuous improvement. 

Justin Tucker 
Batesville Middle School 
Batesville, IN      

Grades: 6-8 
Students: 497 
Region: Suburban 
 
Mr. Justin Tucker is an esteemed assistant principal at Batesville Middle School in Batesville, Indiana, where he has dedicated six years to nurturing a positive learning environment for students in grades 6-8 and was previously the assistant principal at Batesville High School from 2015-2019. While he was also recognized as the Indiana Association of School Principals District 10 Assistant Principal of the Year in 2021, he has made an impact at Batesville Middle School by focusing on developing strong procedural operations in the areas of school safety, special education, discipline and alternative education. He strives to create a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students. As a graduate of Batesville Community School Corporation, Mr. Tucker credits the wonderful staff and students and the community of Batesville for the recognition. 

Rahsaan Perry 
West Florence High School 
Florence, SC  

Grades: 9-12 
Students: 1,830 
Region: Urban 
 
Saani Perry is as an assistant principal of West Florence High School in Florence, SC, where he has achieved notable success in both academic growth and community engagement. He has spearheaded the expansion of the STEM magnet program, which has grown by over 60 students, introduced eight new courses, and added four new faculty members. 

He initiated several key programs, including the “Shining Knights” program, which recognizes students for excellence in leadership, arts, athletics, academics, and community service. He introduced “Wellness Weekends,” offering students and staff an opportunity to focus on mental and physical health by taking a break from academic and professional responsibilities. He also founded the “Sharper Knights” male mentoring program to provide guidance and support for students.