Embracing the Spotlight: Why "Assistant Principal of the Year" Is Just the Beginning
The following was printed in the NAESP Article 07-21-2025
Embracing the Spotlight: Why "Assistant Principal of the Year" Is Just the Beginning
I was absolutely thrilled to receive a phone call the other day from Donna McGuire, an assistant principal from New York and the moderator of The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Assistant Principal (AP) Community of Practice. Donna had stumbled upon my X.com page and thanked me for consistently highlighting the important work of APs. She truly filled my cup during that call because, while she knew my passion for sharing and learning—the very essence that drew me into leadership—she also saw that I was sharing this widely with the world through social media. She echoed a sentiment I deeply hold: this "AP of the Year" title isn't just an award; it's a powerful invitation to share my light, connect with a broader community, and collectively build brighter futures for our students and schools.
Shining Bright: A Personal Imperative
Winning the 2025 Maryland’s National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year award is an incredible honor, one that fills me with immense gratitude. But more than that, it's a profound personal affirmation. Sometimes, this work feels isolating. The demands are constant, the to-do list ever-growing, and it’s easy to get lost in the operational aspects, forgetting the humanity at the core of what we do. For me, celebrating this award publicly is about acknowledging and embracing my journey, and finding joy in the energy and connections I forge with others.
I thrive on connection. The feeling of lifting others as I rise is incredibly fulfilling, and I want to share that understanding. It’s a reminder that before we can truly be of service to others, we must first connect with ourselves, tap into our inner excellence and confidence. When we do, the positive energy we give out is returned tenfold. Being an assistant principal is a tough, ongoing, and challenging job, but it's one I absolutely love. It allows me to forge relationships with students, teachers, staff, families, and the wider community.
The Power of Connection: A Community of Practice
Being recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year isn't just about individual achievement; it's a testament to the power of connection. The Community of Practice through NAESP has been a lifeline, providing a safe space to connect with other assistant principals across the country and world. Even on evenings when I’m too tired to join in, the collective energy of this group energizes me every time. Knowing there are others who see and understand the unique challenges of being an assistant principal allows me to persist.
When we connect with others and get to know why we are in this work, what we love about it, and what our challenges are, we can begin to share in a safe community. While we may not always have time to connect with others in person, avenues like social media make this connection possible. I am grateful for the countless friends in the work I have found through social media. Just as Donna stumbled on my X account and celebrated with me how the work was being elevated, others can also see how we are connecting and resonating with them through our messages and desire to connect in this work together.
When presented with awards and accolades, the spotlight can feel daunting. Walking across the big stage in Seattle this month during the NOAP (National Outstanding Assistant Principal) ceremony was scary, but the subsequent connections with other APs have been invaluable. They serve as a powerful reminder that none of us are truly alone in this work.
The Heart of Our Craft: Reflection
Reflection has always been the engine of my work, stemming back to my teaching years and during the pursuit of National Board Certification. I remember in just my first two years as a teacher, I was constantly trying to figure out how things could work better when my students didn't master the objectives I planned. I would be on the internet searching for ideas and creating learning opportunities filled with novelty and choice for them. The reward of seeing them "get it" was incredibly fulfilling and fueled my desire to be a leader of adults, so more and more students could be impacted in their classrooms. I moved into grade level chair in my third year because not only did I strive to become better in my craft, I shared my learning with my team. This led to sharing and reflecting together about our work. If we aren't intentional about reflecting, we miss out on a vital part of our craft. In my current role, through sharing and connection, I can take what I learn from others and my own practice to reflect on my work, ultimately helping teachers who impact even more students.
Key Takeaways for Every School Leader
Share Your Light: This work is demanding, so find ways to share your knowledge and successes. Even sharing a best practice with just one teacher can have a ripple effect, improving outcomes for countless students. When you receive an accolade, share your effectiveness so others can benefit, contributing to the betterment of our entire profession.
Connect and Elevate: Actively connect with others in the field. We truly rise by lifting others. Just as you've evolved because others poured into you, pay it forward. When you receive an award, affiliate with others to inspire them, and connect with those who have achieved great things in different ways. Never become stagnant, because that comfortable place does not ignite the change necessary for our ever-evolving field of education. As educational leaders, we must always strive to grow and evolve.
Reflect in Community with Others: Take time to reflect on your hard work, passion, consistency, and purpose—the very qualities that brought you to this moment wherever you are on this journey. What did you do well? Continue to shine in those areas. When you fall short, share your thoughts and reflections with a trusted friend or colleague. Connect with a Professional Learning Network (PLN) to identify areas for adjustment. My PLN has grown significantly, even through my X.com community, which has now expanded to my other social platforms. This network has encouraged me to share, write blogs, and participate in podcasts, and it has been incredibly fulfilling. My top three biggest influences are Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket (@RachelEdohoEket), Sean Gaillard (@smgaillard), and Lauren Kaufman (@LaurenMKaufman); if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be writing this right now. They encourage me daily through simple social media likes, comments, and reposts. If you're an assistant principal seeking community, join the NAESP Community of Practice with me, and let’s connect on X.com @SoniaMatthew2. Allow me to introduce you to some of my friends in this work. You are not alone. We need each other to share, connect, and reflect on how we can continue to be the best for the little ones looking up at us and for our colleagues who will be impacted by our journeys. Embrace your journey, shine brightly, and confidently step onto that stage. Be a trendsetter, paving the way for others to follow. Your example will undoubtedly make them better.
