Reston, VA — The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named Courtney Walker, assistant principal of Carrollton High School in Carrollton, GA, the 2024 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year. The announcement comes during NASSP’s annual celebration of Assistant Principals Week.

“At the heart of Courtney’s work is a profound understanding of the unique needs of every student and teacher she works with,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “From bridging gaps in advanced coursework access to the Mental Health Minutes program, Courtney’s innovation and passion have built an inclusive and nurturing environment for every student to grow into their best selves. Her commitment to creating personalized educational pathways, ensuring that students are not just prepared but poised for success beyond her school doors, truly sets her apart. We’re honored to recognize her incredible contributions and the positive, lasting impact she’s made on her school community.”

Walker serves as the assistant principal of teaching and learning at Carrollton High School. She oversees master scheduling, remedial and gifted programs, student awards and recognitions, school improvement initiatives and professional development. The implementations of Professional Learning Pathways and Common Course Teams reflect her commitment to empowering teachers as leaders and improving student outcomes using data-driven instruction and shared leadership. She also supports school counselors in developing personalized academic plans tailored to student interest and ability to ensure students not only graduate enrolled, enlisted or employed but also engaged as leaders in their communities.

“I genuinely believe in shared leadership, so this honor is a testament to the collective efforts of the teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff within my school and district,” said Walker. “Together, we form a cohesive team, engaging in daily collaboration aimed at enhancing our ability to nurture, prepare and empower students to excel as leaders both academically and personally throughout their high school journey and beyond.”

Carrollton High School Principal Ian Lyle said he is proud of Walker. “I am thrilled Mrs. Walker has been named the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Lyle. “This recognition is a testament to her excellence as an administrator and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus expressed his pride and appreciation for Walker. “Mrs. Walker is the definition of a servant leader,” said Albertus. “She is a dedicated and passionate educator who truly cares about the success and well-being of our staff and students. We are fortunate to have her at Carrollton City Schools and I am very proud NASSP acknowledged the significance of her leadership in education.”

For the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year program, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle level or high school assistant principal to represent their state or department, from whom three finalists are chosen. The award recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.

The announcement is part of NASSP’s Trailblazing Leadership Week, bringing together National Honor Society Scholarship finalists and State Assistant Principals of the Year to celebrate their accomplishments and connect with one another.

Photos and interviews are available upon request.