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McCluer’s Nicole Whitesell Named Principal of the Year by SASSP
Nicole Whitesell, principal of McCluer High School, has been named the 2011-12 St. Louis Area High School Principal of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals (SASSP).
One of the nine criteria used to identify Whitesell for the award is “major contributions to education,” an area in which Whitesell shines. Dayle Burgdorf, president of the group and assistant principal at University City High School, said this about Whitesell’s contributions.
“Through her work with Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS), revising her building’s schedule, Professional Learning Communities, creating the Principal’s Roundtable… Multiple members commented on the fact that she works as a collaborative leader. She has worked hard with her staff to continue to move McCluer High School in a positive direction!
“Nicole has been on the SASSP board with me for six years, and I can tell you it is a true honor to work beside such a hardworking individual. I can go on and on about her and what an outstanding leader she is…”
Besides major contributions to education, committee members evaluated Whitesell’s skill as a principal based on the following criteria: name, education, professional work experience, professional associations, other professional contributions, community/civic involvement, school awards and honors, and personal awards and honors.
Currently 1,247 students are enrolled at McCluer High School.
Whitesell, who oversees the daily functions of the school, said this about the accolade.
“I am honored to be selected as the high school principal of the year for St. Louis. This award means a great deal since it comes from fellow administrators. I have served as a high school principal for the past 12 years and have thoroughly enjoyed what I do on a daily basis. She said she was also proud to be one of three principals who started the Principals’ Roundtable this school year “This is a job-like group for high school principals who meet four times per school year to engage in professional dialogue. There is so much for me to learn from other building principals. I am glad to have worked closely with my staff to implement (PBIS) at McCluer High School.”
Whitesell earned a bachelor’s in secondary math education in 1994 from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She earned a master’s in educational administration in 1998 and an education specialist’s degree in administration in 2003 from Lindenwood University. She also holds several certificates.
