Rochester Administrator Named Assistant School Principal of the Year

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Arthur, Asst. School Principal of the Year

ALBANY, NY (04/16/2012)(readMedia)-- Joan Arthur, assistant principal of John James Audubon School No. 33 in the Rochester City School District, has been selected as the 2012 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the children in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown exceptional contributions to the educational process.

Arthur has served as an educator for 33 years including 15 years as an assistant principal at School 33. John James Audubon School No. 33 is a preK to 6th grade urban school with a total enrollment of approximately 1,200.

In a statement summarizing her educational philosophy and experience, Arthur said, "Workng in collaboration with the talented staff at John James Audubon School No. 33 is an honor and privilege. The aspect of my work that is most rewarding is being able to assist all members of our school family – students, staff, and parents, to reach for the best within ourselves in order to make a positive difference."

Larry Ellison, principal at School 33, attests to Arthur's qualifications for this award saying, "Ms. Joan Arthur's knowledge, skills, and perhaps most importantly, her disposition to work tirelessly to enhance the lives of students form the center of her dedicated vision of improving education. It is a vision that she shares and promotes with teachers and colleagues throughout her work in a variety of venues across the district and throughout the community." Rose Marie Urzetta, program administrator at School 33, said in her letter of recommendation, "Her (Arthur's) strong collaborative style has resulted in positive relationships with children, staff members, families, and the surrounding community."

Arthur will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 4, 2012 at the Century House in Latham. As New York's Assistant Principal of the Year, Arthur will be celebrated as a National Distinguished Assistant Principal by the National Association of Elementary School Principals at a recognition program sponsored by NAESP and VALIC this fall in Washington, DC.

SAANYS represents more than 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to its members 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 and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.