South Huntington School Leader Honored as NYS Assistant Principal of the Year

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Dr. Scott Muller

ALBANY, NY (03/19/2025) (readMedia)-- Dr. Scott Muller, assistant principal at Walt Whitman High School, has been selected as the 2025 New York State Secondary School Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). This award is given annually by SAANYS and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to a middle or high school assistant principal who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the students in his or her school. Nominees are administrators committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown exceptional educational contributions. As the New York State Secondary School Assistant Principal of the Year, Muller is now a candidate for the award of National Assistant Principal of the Year, an award sponsored by NASSP.

Dr. Muller says his "constant visibility builds trust so that students know that I am present to support them." His presence "in the hallways and cafeteria during the school day allows me to interact with students and staff, providing an easy route to ask me questions or to ask for support." He adds that "being at many evening events sends a message to the students and their parents that I am here for them and that I care about their future."

Assistant principal at Walt Whitman since 2006, Dr. Muller says, "Over the years, we have improved the culture such that students feel safe and are respectful of one another and the school." Among his many accomplishments over the years is the expansion of the English as a New Language (ENL) program from 60 students to 349. He notes that "This increase in numbers has allowed us to provide a more robust and diversified course selection to these students."

Dr. Muller says this leadership style can be compared to sailing. He explains that a "sailboat does not usually move forward because it is pushed by the wind, but it is moved by the wind blowing past the front of the sail, creating an area of lower pressure, and pulling the sailboat forward." He says that "truly good leaders do not push their people but instead lead from the front, innovating and providing a safe space for people to challenge their existing views and to try something new. I have been open to new ideas and therefore have encouraged staff to be open to new ideas."

Dr. Muller has been instrumental in many positive changes at Walt Whitman, including creating an Algebra I data team, leading the instructional rounds process, leading the Site-Based Management (SBM) team, and developing the Knowledge is Power (KIP) program for parents.

Walt Whitman High School Principal John Murphy says that Dr. Muller is "One of the hardest working and dedicated individuals I have ever met. His diligence and perseverance are only matched by his empathy and willingness to go above and beyond for students." Murphy adds, "By involving students and staff in meaningful initiatives, Dr. Muller cultivates a collaborative environment that values leadership and community engagement, contributing to the overall well-being and growth of the school."

Murphy adds that "by bridging cultural gaps and promoting mutual learning, Dr. Muller ensures that students develop the skills and perspectives necessary for global citizenship. His leadership exemplifies a commitment to creating a community where diversity is celebrated, and every student is prepared to succeed in an interconnected world."

Teacher Carrie Eastwood says, "Dr. Muller prioritizes parent outreach, ensuring that parents feel welcome and involved in their child's education. This fosters a more positive and supportive environment for everyone." Eastwood notes that Dr. Muller also founded the Positive Partnerships Mentor Program, "a program that links students with staff members as mentors who want to help students feel known and valued."

Jaren Smullian, a graduate of the school, says, "At Walt Whitman High School, students feel safe and well-supported, thanks to Assistant Principal Dr. Scott Muller. He is dedicated to helping students succeed not just academically but also socially and emotionally." Dr. Muller received his bachelor's degree from Binghamton University, his master's from Dowling College, a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership at Stony Brook University, and his doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. John's University.

Dr. Muller and fellow 2025 award winners will be recognized at SAANYS' annual awards celebration, taking place on May 2 at the Desmond Hotel – Crown Plaza in Albany.

SAANYS represents nearly 22,000 school administrators, supervisors, and retirees. 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).