Elizabeth Nelson Named Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the YearThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Elizabeth Nelson the 2024 Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony at her school on Tuesday, November 12th.
From left: Jim Lynch, AWSA Executive Director, Deb Janke, AWSA President, Kelly Szesterniak, Pilgrim Park Middle School Principal, As associate principal of Elm Grove’s Pilgrim Park Middle School, Nelson helps to oversee more than 900 students and 125 teachers and staff. Throughout her five-year tenure at the school, key achievements have included implementing and leading the Behavior Management Team (BMT), establishing comprehensive professional development and engagement opportunities for staff, and facilitating 31 extracurricular student clubs and activities per year. Nelson is involved in multiple initiatives, including Project Lead the Way, Advancement Via Individual Determination, and professional learning communities. She also conducts early warning system meetings, where data is analyzed to identify students who require additional support. Additionally, she has implemented a Check and Connect program to engage and motivate at-risk students in a one-on-one setting. “Liz exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in her role as associate principal at Pilgrim Park Middle School,” said Principal Kelly Szesterniak. “Her commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment has made a significant impact on both students and staff. This award is a testament to her commitment, hard work, integrity, and dedication to excellence.” “On behalf of Pilgrim Park Middle School and our entire school district, I would like to express our appreciation to the AWSA for recognizing Ms. Nelson with this honor,” said Dr. Mark Hansen, superintendent of the Elmbrook School District. “We have exceptionally talented leaders in our schools, and we are thrilled to be able to acknowledge their contributions.” Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. Matthew Amerson Named Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the YearThe Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has named Matthew Amerson the 2024 Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise ceremony at his school on Thursday, November 14th.
From left: Kate Tesch, District Administrator, Samantha Birman, AP Superior Middle School, Kari Saunders, AP Superior High School, Matt Amerson, APOY, Aaron Lieberz, Principal Superior Middle School, Heidi Sigfrids, AP Superior High School, Aaron Fezzey, Principal Superior High School, Dr. Amy Starzecki, Superintendent and Jim Lynch, AWSA Executive Director. For the past three years, Amerson has served as assistant principal at Superior High School, where he helps lead approximately 1,200 students and nearly 200 teachers and staff members. During his time as assistant principal, Amerson has prioritized efforts in areas such as student perception and inclusion, wellbeing and mental health, and crisis de-escalation. He was also instrumental in rebuilding the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports team to support a positive school climate and incorporate student voice in decision making. “Mr. Amerson exemplifies the dedication that associate principals demonstrate daily to drive positive change in our schools,” said Jim Lynch, executive director of AWSA. “We are incredibly proud to honor him as our High School Associate Principal of the Year. This is a well-deserved award that recognizes his outstanding work on behalf of his school community in Superior.” Amerson facilitates various initiatives to promote student inclusion and empowerment, including monthly student voice sessions, a student problem-solving committee, and a mentorship program that pairs seniors with incoming first-year students. As a Crisis Prevention Institute instructor, he trains staff on verbal de-escalation skills and other nonviolent crisis intervention techniques. He also oversees the special education department and serves as an administrative partner for the advisory team. “Matt is a self-directed and compassionate leader who possesses excellent communication skills. He has taken the initiative to lead our PBIS and Advisory teams, which has resulted in a positive transformation of our school culture and safety,” said Aaron Fezzey, principal of Superior High School. “His leadership and ability to bring students and staff together has created a collaborative environment and has helped to make our school a great place to learn and work.” “Thank you to AWSA for spotlighting a truly outstanding associate principal,” said Dr. Amy Starzecki, superintendent of the School District of Superior. “This well-deserved award celebrates Mr. Amerson’s unwavering commitment to the success of our students. This is a big point of pride for our entire educational community.” Amerson holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he was also a Lavender Graduate. 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 AP of the year at the middle school and high school levels. Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. Nelson and Amerson 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. Additionally, they will represent the state of Wisconsin at the National Assistant Principal of the Year Celebration in Washington, D.C., in spring 2025, where the Associate Principals of the Year from middle and high schools across the country will be honored. |
