Brenda Maro, assistant principal at George Washington Middle School in Dubuque, is the 2012-13 Iowa Assistant Principal of the Year as named by School Administrators of Iowa (SAI).
“As an educational leader, Brenda Maro’s commitment to student success is evident not only through her work in a community-student mentoring program and with student behavior, but also in her involvement with staff learning,” said SAI Executive Director Dan Smith.
Recipients are selected using the Iowa Standards for School Leaders, which focus on
- a vision of learning;
- the presence of a school culture and instructional program that is beneficial to student learning and staff professional development;
- a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment;
- work with parents and the community;
- fairness, integrity and ethics; and
- an understanding of the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context in which we operate.
“It is a huge honor to be recognized as the 2013 Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Maro. “I firmly believe that this recognition is a true reflection of the collective efforts of the faculty and staff at Washington Middle School, their abilities to embrace change, take on challenges, and continue to move forward in a collaborative effort to help all students succeed. Leadership is about positively influencing others. I have been fortunate to be influenced by so many great people throughout my life, and I hope that I am able to make a difference for others through my leadership.”
A committee of Iowa assistant principals selected Maro for the award. She will be recognized at a State Capitol ceremony in May 2013 and at SAI’s Annual Conference in August 2013. As Iowa’s recipient, Maro is now a candidate for National Assistant Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Virco, Inc. She will have an opportunity to attend a recognition program in Washington, D.C., in the spring featuring professional development and networking activities with peers from around the nation.
Maro began her career as a special education teacher at Four Oaks School in Dubuque, and started in administration as Four Oaks’ principal. She has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Northern Iowa; a master’s degree in special education and her secondary administration endorsement from Loras College.
SAI, a statewide organization founded in 1987, represents more than 2,000 Iowa educational administrators. SAI’s mission is to support, encourage and develop Iowa’s educational leaders and learners.
For more information, contact the DCSD School and Community Relations Office at (563)552-3020.
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