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Leadership
Teaching Today Wisconsin | Spring/Summer 2025 Page 15

Liz Nelson Named National Middle Level Associate

Principal of the Year

for the Elmbrook Schools and Wisconsin inclusivity, accountability, and growth. the strength and promise of the next genera-
educational leadership. Under her leadership, the school offers 35 tion of school leadership,” said Jim Lynch,
“Liz exemplifies outstanding leader- student-driven clubs and activities, fos- Executive Director of AWSA. “She models
ship and dedication in her role as Associate tering a strong sense of connection and excellence, collaboration, and care in every
Principal at Pilgrim Park Middle School,” belonging. Her implementation of a student aspect of her work. We proudly join the
stated Principal Kelly Szesterniak. “Her support system focused on early interven- NASSP in celebrating her success.”
commitment to building a safe, inclusive, tion has helped decrease behavior referrals The announcement came during
and supportive learning environment has by 40% and contributed to a 12% increase NASSP’s National Education Leadership
made a significant impact on both students in student-reported belonging. The school Awards gala in Washington, D.C., which
and staff. This award is a testament to her has consistently earned a “Significantly brought together State Assistant Principals
commitment, hard work, integrity, and dedi- Exceeds Expectations” rating on the Wis- of the Year, student scholarship winners,
cation to excellence.” consin state report card. and national education leaders.
“Assistant principals are the unsung “On behalf of Pilgrim Park Middle For the NASSP Assistant Principal of
heroes of education, working tirelessly School and our entire school district, I the Year program, each state selects one
behind the scenes to create safe, supportive would like to express our appreciation to outstanding middle level or high school
environments where students can thrive,” NASSP for recognizing Liz Nelson with assistant principal to represent them. These
said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Liz Nelson this honor,” said Dr. Mark Hansen, Superin- individuals are chosen based on exem-
exemplifies what it means to lead with inno- tendent of the School District of Elmbrook. plary contributions to student learning,
Elmbrook Schools vation and heart, transforming her school “We have exceptionally talented leaders in instructional leadership, and school culture.
The National Association of Secondary into a student-centered community of learn- our schools, and we are thrilled to be able to From this group, one middle level and one
School Principals (NASSP) announced that ing. At NASSP, we are proud to celebrate acknowledge their contributions.” high school assistant principal are named
Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson, Associate Princi- her achievements and remain steadfast Nelson received state recognition in national honorees.
pal of Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm in our commitment to supporting school November as the Wisconsin Associate Prin-
Grove, WI, is the 2025 NASSP National leaders nationwide.” cipal of the Year from the Association of
Assistant Principal of the Year for Middle During Liz Nelson’s five-year tenure Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA), elmbrookschools.org
Level Schools, in the award’s inaugural at Pilgrim Park Middle School, she has which sponsored her national nomination.
year! This marks a momentous milestone helped lead a school culture grounded in “Liz is an exceptional leader who reflects