Bismarck Tribune

By SARA KINCAIDBy SARA KINCAID

Simle Middle School Assistant Principal Sherry Heaton was named state Assistant Principal of the Year.

The honor is given by the North Dakota Association of Secondary Principals.

"Who doesn't like to be recognized by their peers?"

It makes her feel good, she said.

Heaton has been an administrator for four years at Simle and taught there eight. She had 21 years teaching experience before becoming an administrator.

An assistant principal works with students, teachers and parents, Heaton said.

"I see (myself) as a team leader," Heaton said.

Among some of her tasks: She handles student discipline, works on staff development and works on curriculum.

Her job is to provide service and leadership, she said.

She submitted an application to be selected for the recognition.

"Your written application and professional reputation convinced the nominating committee that you were the best candidate to represent the quality school administrators leading North Dakota high schools and middle schools," NDASSP executive director Doug Johnson said in a statement.

Now that she was chosen as assistant principal of the year, she qualifies to be a finalist for the national assistant principal of the year.

She will attend a conference in Washington, D.C., in April with finalists from other states. Three finalists will go to Reno, Nev., and one will be chosen as the national assistant principal of the year.

While she received this recognition, she said there are other educators in the district who are outstanding teachers and administrators who are not recognized for what they do.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)