Ben Tashner Named Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the YearThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Ben Tashner as its 2026 Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony at his school on Thursday, November 13th.
Left to Right: Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President, Ryan Vogler, Principal, Holmen Middle School, Tashner, who serves as associate principal and activities director at Holmen Middle School, has been dedicated to building a school culture where every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and valued. Over his four years as associate principal, he has helped lead a collaborative, student-centered environment rooted in the school’s mission: “Belong. Serve. Succeed.” “Ben Tashner’s leadership reflects the best of Wisconsin’s middle school associate principals,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “His work at Holmen Middle School demonstrates a deep commitment to belonging, collaboration, and continuous improvement. He leads with compassion and clarity, creating a culture where students and staff thrive together.” At Holmen Middle School, Tashner has strengthened systems that promote student safety, wellbeing, and growth. He is known for being a visible, approachable presence in hallways, classrooms, and lunchrooms, where he builds authentic connections and models the importance of respect and collaboration. A former special education teacher, Tashner draws on his classroom experience to lead with empathy and equity. He has developed collaborative intervention systems that ensure students receive timely, individualized academic and behavioral support. Through data-driven decision making and strong relationships with staff and families, he has helped improve attendance, engagement, and overall school climate. “Ben is a dedicated leader committed to collaborating with staff to ensure they have the resources and support they need to help students grow and learn,” said HMS Principal Ryan Vogler. “He works tirelessly to develop opportunities for students to get involved and create a culture where all students feel like they belong. HMS is lucky to have him on our staff.” Tashner holds a master’s degree in professional development and a bachelor’s degree, both from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. “We are absolutely thrilled that Mr. Tashner has been named the Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year,” said School District of Holmen District Administrator Dr. Kristin Mueller. “This honor is a testament to the incredible energy he brings every day, creating a vibrant, engaging, and inclusive educational community. He is a master connector building strong bridges with our students, families, and community members, ensuring that everyone feels they truly belong. His exceptional leadership drives our mission forward and empowers all to succeed. We are proud of him and this statewide honor.” Amanda Jamerson Named Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the YearThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Amanda Jamerson as its 2026 Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony at her school on Friday, November 14th.
Left to Right: Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President, Tim Kenney, Principal, Shorewood High School, As associate principal at Shorewood High School, Jamerson has served as a strong leader in cultivating a restorative, equitable, and innovative school culture that prioritizes the wellbeing and success of every student and staff member. She has also led initiatives that have transformed the school climate, improved student outcomes, and strengthened collaborative leadership among staff. “Amanda Jamerson exemplifies the leadership, compassion, and innovation that define Wisconsin’s most outstanding assistant principals,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “She empowers students and staff at Shorewood High School to thrive, and we are honored to recognize her as our 2026 High School Associate Principal of the Year.” During her tenure as associate principal, Jamerson helped design and implement a Restorative Actions Framework that reduced office discipline referrals by 69 percent over three years, while deepening student understanding of empathy and accountability. She also co-launched a comprehensive cell phone policy that promotes digital balance and has resulted in improved classroom focus and fewer peer conflicts. As the school’s Building Equity Lead, Jamerson also founded the school’s Equity Leadership Team, delivering professional learning and coaching that has helped integrate culturally responsive practices across classrooms. She co-led the African American Youth Initiative, a regional program that supports mentorship, leadership development, and college readiness for African American students throughout southeastern Wisconsin. “Ms. Jamerson’s impact on our school has been extraordinary,” said SHS Principal Tim Kenney. “Her leadership has shaped a culture where safety, belonging, and achievement go hand in hand. She has empowered both staff and students to lead with empathy and excellence. I am thrilled to see her recognized at the state level in this way.” Jamerson holds an MBA in educational leadership from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master’s degree in teacher leadership from Silver Lake College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Lane College. Jamerson is also the founder of AJAM Advocacy & Educational Consulting, which supports families and educators in building equitable systems for learning. “Amanda Jamerson is an exceptional leader,” said Shorewood School District Superintendent Dr. Laurie Burgos. “She elevates student achievement and wellbeing by cultivating relationships built on trust, dignity, and care. As a thoughtful collaborator, Amanda empowers others, strengthens teams, and nurtures a culture in which every student and staff member feels valued. This recognition reflects Amanda's commitment and the positive impact she makes every single day in the Shorewood School District.” Elizabeth Streubel Named Wisconsin Elementary Associate Principal of the YearThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Elizabeth Streubel as its 2026 Wisconsin Elementary Associate Principal of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony at her school on Friday, November 14th.
Left to Right: Sally Vliet, Herb Kohl Foundation, Dr. Jocelyn Sulsberger, Principal, Wilson Elementary School, Liz Streubel, APOY, Stuart Russ, AWSA Board President, Joe Schroeder, AWSA Associate Executive Director and Dr. Matthew Joynt, Superintendent, Mequon- Thiensville School District. Streubel serves as assistant principal of Wilson Elementary in the Mequon-Thiensville School District. She is known for her compassionate leadership, student-centered decision-making, and dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and joyful school community. Over the past three years as an assistant principal, she has led initiatives that strengthened student well-being, improved attendance, and enhanced staff morale through intentional relationship-building and restorative leadership. “Elizabeth Streubel is a shining example of the heart and skill that define Wisconsin’s elementary school leaders,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “Her work at Wilson Elementary demonstrates how empathy, data-driven collaboration, and creativity can transform school culture. She leads with integrity, optimism, and a deep belief in every child’s potential.” At Wilson Elementary, Streubel has cultivated a culture rooted in connection and care—greeting students each morning with high-fives, hugs, and encouragement to start the day with joy and belonging. Her innovative Bus of the Month program celebrates bus drivers and students who model respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn, resulting in significant reductions in bus-related behavioral incidents. A former special education teacher, Streubel brings deep expertise in behavior intervention and inclusive practices. She has collaborated with staff to implement individualized supports, create restorative behavior plans, and strengthen family partnerships, helping reduce chronic absenteeism to just 3 percent—the school’s lowest rate in four years. “Ms. Streubel is an indispensable part of the Wilson community,” said Principal Dr. Jocelyn Sulsberger. “She actively strives to cultivate an environment where all individuals feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. Liz's dedication to nurturing young learners and supporting educators has had a positive impact on our school, and we are fortunate to call her a Wilson Wildcat.” Streubel holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is seeking an Ed.D. from Concordia University. “Liz Streubel exemplifies what it means to lead with heart,” said MTSD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Joynt. “Her compassion, commitment to students, and unwavering support for staff and families make Wilson Elementary School a place where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow.” The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes associate principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across Wisconsin. Selection criteria include a commitment to personal excellence, collaborative leadership, personalization, curriculum, instruction and assessment, and serving as an established and respected community member. A committee representing teachers, superintendents, board members, parents, and the Department of Public Instruction reviews the applications and selects an APOYs. Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. They will be formally recognized at the Associate Principals Convention in January. They will also receive $1,000 for use on a project of their choice at their respective schools. |
