Maine East's Steven Isoye named Principal of the Year

Maine East High School Principal Steven Isoye has been named Illinois High School Principal of the Year for the 2010-11 school year by Horace Mann and the Illinois Principals Association.

"I am honored by the recognition," said Isoye, who is in his third year as East's principal. "East is a place where we enjoy a richly diverse community. We get to work with students who come from all over the world. With that privilege comes a responsibility. Our teachers and administrators understand that."

Isoye said faculty and staff do an "amazing" job of devising and implementing ideas that harness the energy of such a diverse student population in ways that advance students' education.

"The traditions East has are so rich, and are important in what we do," Isoye said. "Yet at the same time we understand that we can keep the basic aspects of those traditions and yet move with the times in ways that benefit our students."

The Horace Mann/IPA Principal of the Year Awards program recognizes leaders who have demonstrated a positive impact on their students and learning community. Criteria for the award include:

• Demonstrates a positive impact on education and advocacy for children.

• Ensures the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale.

• Demonstrates creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change. • Willing to take risks to improve student learning.

• Moves actively to implement the goals and objectives of the school.

• Works collaboratively with teachers and community members to improve the educational program and student performance.

• Anticipates emerging problems and acts effectively to resolve them.

• Involves the community in the life of the school and uses community resources for students.

According to Jason Leahy, IPA executive director, "Each of these award winners has proved that they are some of the best educational leaders in the business. Their learning communities should feel proud and fortunate to have these individuals leading their schools."

Maine Township High School District 207 Superintendent Dr. Ken Wallace said: "The IPA High School Principal of the Year award could not go to a more deserving candidate. Steven has brought tremendous value to us as the Maine East High School Principal, helping move not only the school but also the District in some very positive directions, particularly in problem-based learning areas where students have greater ownership of their learning. Steven's selection, and the nomination from former Principal David Barker, confirms what special leaders Maine East High School has been blessed to have had as its last two Principals."

Barker said of his successor, "Maine East is indeed fortunate to have the excellent leadership of Steven Isoye, a former Illinois Teacher of the Year and now High School Principal of the Year."

Isoye came to Maine East from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, where he had served for four years as principal after working for three years as curriculum leader. Before that, he had worked for three years as Science Department Chair at Highland Park High School and three years a classroom science teacher at Deerfield High School.

During those years with District 113, he was honored as Teacher of the Year. He began his teaching career with science teaching stints at Loyola Academy and Latin School of Chicago. The variety of schools in which he has worked, Isoye said, has served him well in understanding and adapting to changing circumstances and different school challenges.

Principal of the Year Winners were selected from a pool of region nominees provided by the 21 Regions of the Illinois Principals Association and will be recognized at the IPA's annual statewide conferences. Winners will receive a $1,000 honorarium and are now afforded the opportunity to compete in their respective national leaders' competitions with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The Horace Mann Educators Corporation, founded by educators for educators, provides auto, life and property insurance along with investment planning.

The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization that serves 4,400 educational leaders throughout Illinois. The IPA's mission is to advance learning through effective educational leadership.

Other 2010-11 award winners are: For elementary Principal of the Year, Derek Straight, of James C. Bush Elementary School in Johnsburg; for Middle/Jr. High School Principal of the Year, Mark Pagel, of Dwight Middle School in Dwight; and for Assistant Principal of the Year, Sharon Gonzalez of Galesburg High School.