Recognizing extraordinary, tech-savvy school leaders

Digital Principal award winners are honored for integrating digital media in their efforts to improve instruction, student achievement, and their own leadership.

2018 Digital Principal Award Winners

Kristina MacBury
@MacburyKristina
Sarah Pyle Academy
Wilmington, DE

As the leader of a nontraditional, blended learning high school, MacBury believes in staying ahead of emerging research and technologies impacting the K–12 community. Because of this philosophy, she has transformed her school by embracing technology—specifically, Google Apps for Education. This innovative change has impacted students and teachers alike, allowing them to integrate more interactive tools and practices into their classrooms. Students and teachers are able to collaborate and share feedback on assignments at home or in school, removing barriers for already at-risk students. In fact, school graduation rates have increased by more than 20 percent in the past three years.

Brian McCann
@casehighprinc
Joseph Case High School
Swansea, MA

Celebrating his 15th year as principal at Joseph Case High School, McCann has leveraged integrated educational technology to provide a future-ready education for his students. During his time at this approximately 600-student school, McCann has removed device restrictions; upgraded connectivity with a free, robust Wi-Fi network; increased technology access by transitioning from a library to a learning commons; and revamped all required technology courses to include coding in multiple languages. His introduction of Google Classroom has transformed the way teachers and students work.

Mariah Rackley
@MrsRackleyCCMS
Cedar Crest Middle School
Lebanon, PA

In her nine years as principal of Cedar Crest Middle School, Rackley has turned social media into a powerful tool for teachers, parents, and students. She is currently using technology to increase students’ performance on standardized tests after a decrease in the 2016–17 school year. Utilizing two Edmentum products that address student growth and student achievement, she is able to provide data for teachers to tailor their instruction, better meet the needs of their students, and close the achievement gap prior to the state assessments.