Fairport Administrator Honored for Outstanding Leadership

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LeAnna Watt

ALBANY, NY (05/07/2021) (readMedia)-- ALBANY, NY – LeAnna Watt, special programs assistant principal at Fairport Senior High School in the Fairport Central School District, has been selected for the 2021 Outstanding Educator Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a SAANYS member who has made outstanding contributions in New York State schools through public education, professional organizations, or research and/or writing in the field of education.

Known as a leader with an innate ability to read a room, Watt believes that responsiveness is one of the most important elements of being a successful school leader and strives to build trust with all members of the school community. When staff, students, and parents know that the school will show up for them in authentic ways, they will develop a reciprocal relationship with all, which makes everyone greater. Especially when making difficult decisions, Watt believes that consistently acting with the student's best interest in mind will always lead to the best outcome for all. Commented Special Education Teacher Jennifer Whalen, "She does not allow one student in our building to go forgotten. She personally advocates for every struggling student in a building of 1,400. Somehow LeAnna manages to hold students to a high standard, yet give them the unconditional love and support so many of them need. Oftentimes during extremely difficult meetings I find myself looking at LeAnna with admiration and amazement."

Commented Business Education Teacher David Domenico, "LeAnna Watt has a passion and genuine concern for the students at Fairport High School. She makes it a point to get to know the students, not just by name, but by interest, needs, and concerns they may have. She has been a forward thinker and will do whatever she can to improve the academic, emotional, and overall well-being of every student, and is a constant presence in the community."

Commented Principal Robert Clark, "Advocacy, empathy, and compassion are all at the forefront of her decisions and interactions with students, families, and staff. Add to this an incredible knowledge base of the continuum of services, graduation requirements, and community resources and you have a powerful force for change."

Commented Superintendent Brett Provenzano, "LeAnna Watt intuitively develops meaningful connections and then places herself in positions to add value. She sets the pace for her colleagues and models exemplary leadership. Above all, she is a caring leader and a reassuring presence, one who her students, families, and colleagues view as being invaluable to their school experience. LeAnna is guided by the principles that can best be described as dedicated to serve others, passionate about making a difference, and committed to student success."

Watt received her bachelor of arts, master of arts, and certification in literacy education from Nazareth College, and her NYS building and district certificate in educational leadership from the University of Rochester.

SAANYS represents nearly 8,000 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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