KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Heather Wolf, Washington Elementary School Principal, has been named a 2022 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) for the state of Tennessee.

 

Each year, the NAESP honors outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the nation and abroad as part of its annual NDP program. The 2022 class of NDPs is recognized for setting high standards for instruction, student achievement, and character of the students, families, and staff in their learning communities.

 

“While the pandemic has tested every aspect of our society, including schools, principals have continued to lead dynamic learning communities and serve as a beacon of hope,” said Dr. L. Earl Franks, CAE, NAESP’s executive director. “NAESP’s National Distinguished Principals program recognizes the outstanding leadership of highly successful principals and is a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to these exceptional school leaders.”

 

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for Mrs. Wolf and for Kingsport City Schools,” said Dr. Jeff Moorhouse, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. “We applaud Mrs. Wolf's leadership and dedication to her students, families, and staff. This honor is in recognition for her collaborative leadership style and for significantly raising student achievement scores.”

 

"It is my honor to be a recipient of the National Distinguished Principal Award," said Wolf. "The NAESP and my colleagues in Kingsport City Schools have been a guiding force in my leadership development. I have a strong desire for our school and school system employees to be influential in positively impacting the lives of children in our community. My experiences as a leader in Kingsport City Schools and my collaboration with honorees before me have prepared me to continue on this mission."

 

Wolf is serving in her 9th year as principal at Washington Elementary School. A 28-year employee of KCS, Wolf has held teaching positions at Abraham Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools and has served as the Washington Early Childhood Learning Center Director and the district’s 504 Coordinator. From 2012-2014, she held the position of Associate Principal at John Adams Elementary School.  

 

Wolf holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

 

The 2022 National Distinguished Principal event will take place October 6-7, 2022 in Washington D.C. culminating with an awards banquet.

 

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), founded in 1921, is a professional organization serving around 20,000 elementary and middle school leaders nationwide. It operates through a network of affiliated associations in every U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Canada, and other countries worldwide. For more information on the National Distinguished Principals Award Program visit naesp.org.

 

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,600 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.

 

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