WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin associate principal is a finalist for a national Assistant Principal of the Year award.

Elizabeth Nelson, associate principal for Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, is up for the 2025 Middle Level Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Nelson is one of six finalists and one of three in the middle school category. Both a middle level leader and a high school leader will be selected for the honor.

What You Need To Know

  • Elizabeth Nelson, an associate principal for Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, is up for the 2025 Middle Level Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals

  • Nelson is one of six finalists and one of three in the middle school category

  • The annual award recognizes leaders who have outstanding contributions to “student success, school improvement and educational leadership”

  • Winners for both the middle school and high school categories will be selected on April 11

The annual award recognizes leaders who have outstanding contributions to “student success, school improvement and educational leadership.” Each state can select a middle school and high school assistant principal to represent them.

Nelson was chosen from Wisconsin and has served as an associate principal at Pilgrim Park Middle School since 2020.

In her time at the school, she’s helped establish several initiatives that led to student success, including a behavior management leadership team that ended up leading to a 40% reduction in behavior referrals. She’s also helped facilitate 35 student-driven clubs and has achieved a 12% increase in student belonging.

"Liz’s commitment to students is at the heart of everything she does, from creating engaging extracurricular opportunities to fostering a supportive learning environment,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Hansen in a release.

Nelson has earned the school a “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” rating on the state report card for two years. In 2024, she was recognized by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators as the Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year.

“Liz exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in her role as Associate Principal at Pilgrim Park Middle School,” said Principal Kelly Szesterniak at the time of that award. “Her commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment has made a significant impact on both students and staff.”

Here’s the full list of finalists:

  • Julie Johnson, Assistant Principal, Wayzata Central Middle School, Plymouth, Minnesota 
  • Elizabeth Nelson, Associate Principal, Pilgrim Park Middle School, Elm Grove, Wisconsin 
  • Justin Tucker, Assistant Principal, Batesville Middle School, Batesville, Indiana 
  • Daniel Beck, Assistant Principal, Upper St. Clair High School, Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania 
  • Rahsaan Perry, Assistant Principal, West Florence High School, Florence, South Carolina 
  • La Faye Howard, Assistant Principal, Winston Churchill High School, Potomac, Maryland 

“While often working behind the scenes, assistant principals build the foundation for student success,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe in a release. “They create safe environments, mentor teachers, connect with families and solve problems before they become crises. It’s an honor to celebrate these finalists who are the driving force behind their thriving school communities and student success.” 

Winners will be announced on April 11 at a gala event.

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