Pennsylvania Middle Level Assistant Principal Honored

Mary Monsour the assistant principal at Peters Township Middle School in McMurray, PA was honored at the Annual Convention as the 2004 McDonald's/ NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year.

NASSP's Gerald N. Tirozzi presents Mary Monsour with a $5,000 check courtesy of McDonald's, the longtime sponsor of the Assistant Principal of the Year program.

Monsour has taken many innovative approaches to encourage teacher training and professional development. When she implemented the Guide Program at Peters Township, she provided a forum for new teachers to explore effective instructional techniques. This spawned a number of student-based programs aimed at providing extra help, tutoring, and mentoring to students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

In addition to these programs, she has been able to involve parents, giving them the opportunity to review the programs their children undertake every day and evaluate which ones are successful and which ones need improvement.

In addition to her position as assistant principal, Monsour took on the role of director of instruction at the district's central office, a role that has enabled her to diversify and improve upon both positions.

"Resolving complex problems is something administrators do daily. But Mary does it with warmth, love, and care," said Anthony Merante, principal at Peters Township. "She follows through on all issues, always putting students first. People often say to do what is best for kids. Mary doesn't just say it, she lives it."

Each year the McDonald's/NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year program focuses attention on the outstanding work assistant principals do in middle level and high schools across the country. These individuals are recognized for their accomplishments as high-achieving school leaders, all the while making a daily investment in students' futures.

As part of the award, Monsour received $5,000 from McDonald's. The search for the National Assistant Principal of the Year began in late 2003 when each state principals' association, as well as the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity associations, selected one State Assistant Principal of the Year. From those state winners, Naylor was selected as one of three finalists along with Laura Sowinski from Waunakee (WI) Community Middle School and Evelyn Edney from Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, DE and was chosen by a distinguished panel of judges as the national winner.

Back to 2004 Convention Wrap-Up Main Page