Page 25 - TTWISummer2026

Leadership
Teaching Today Wisconsin | Summer / Back-to-School 2026 Page 25

Announcing Wisconsin’s 2026 Principals of the Year

Awarded by The Association of Wisconsin Gillingham training, and professional learning ing more than 20 percentage points above the 2026 Wisconsin Middle School Principal of
School Administrators communities, while also prioritizing trauma- state average. She has also led efforts to close the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim
The principal of the year program high- sensitive practices and social-emotional achievement gaps through the implementation Lynch. “She leads with purpose and heart, cre-
lights the good things that are being done by learning. Her work has helped foster a posi- of equitable multi-level systems of support, ating a school environment where students and
school leaders every day, all across the state tive school climate, with high levels of staff targeted instructional practices, and a strong staff feel valued and empowered. Her work
of Wisconsin. Principals of the Year are asked and family engagement and a strong culture of culture of data-informed decision-making. exemplifies school leadership in Wisconsin.”
to share their successes and practices with col- respect and inclusion. “Jamie is a visionary and compassion-
leagues in events and workshops during the Before becoming principal in 2012, ate leader who has transformed Indian Mound
year. Loss served as an assistant principal, literacy Middle School into a place where all students mcfarland.k12.wi.us
coach, and educator within Milwaukee Public can thrive,” said McFarland School District
Schools. She holds a master’s degree from the Superintendent Aaron Tarnutzer. “Her com-
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and addi- mitment to equity, student achievement, and
tional credentials in administrative leadership building meaningful relationships has had a
and Montessori education. profound impact on both the school commu-
She is also a leader in the broader Mon- nity and student outcomes.”
tessori community, having served as president Thomas emphasizes a collaborative
of the Wisconsin Montessori Association and leadership approach, empowering staff and
presenting at regional and national confer- students while fostering strong partnerships
ences. with families and the community. She has
“On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to con- expanded student leadership opportunities,
gratulate Catherine Loss on being named the strengthened school-community connections
2026 Wisconsin Elementary School Principal through mentorship and career exploration
of the Year,” said AWSA Executive Director programs, and created systems that support
Jim Lynch. “She has demonstrated an unwav- both academic success and social-emotional
ering commitment to students and families, growth.
creating a school where all learners can grow Before becoming principal at Indian
and succeed. Her leadership is an inspiration.” Mound Middle School in 2022, Thomas
2026 Wisconsin Elementary School served as principal and associate principal at 2026 Wisconsin High School Principal
Principal of the Year Catherine Loss milwaukeepublicschools.org Badger Ridge Middle School in the Verona of the Year Dr . Russ Gerke
The Association of Wisconsin School Area School District. She began her career in The Association of Wisconsin School
Administrators has named Catherine Loss as education as a school social worker and has Administrators has named Dr. Russ Gerke as
the 2026 Elementary School Principal of the held a variety of leadership roles . She holds a its 2026 High School Principal of the Year.
Year. master’s degree in social work and additional Dr. Gerke serves as principal of West De
Loss serves as principal of Lloyd Barbee licensure in educational leadership, curricu- Pere High School in the School District of
Montessori School in Milwaukee Public lum and instruction, and student services.
Schools. Over the past 14 years, she has led “On behalf of AWSA, I am proud to con-
the transformation and growth of the school gratulate Jamie Thomas on being named the Continued on Page 26
into a thriving K-8 Montessori program
grounded in equity, community, and a whole-
child approach to education. 2026–27 Teachers of the Year
Under Loss’s leadership, Lloyd Barbee
Montessori has grown from fewer than 200 Continued from Page 24
students to more than 420 and has demon-
strated strong academic progress. The school at Pilgrim Park Middle School. Throughout those around her.
currently exceeds expectations on the Wis- her career, she has supported middle school “On behalf of Pilgrim Park Middle School
consin State Report Card and has shown students with diverse academic, social- and the entire School District of Elmbrook, we
significant student growth, with value-added emotional, and behavioral needs. She brings are thrilled to celebrate Allison Urban with this
scores indicating students are progressing strong expertise in co-teaching, differenti- well-deserved honor,” said Dr. Mark Hansen,
more quickly than their peers statewide. 2026 Wisconsin Middle School Princi- ated instruction, and the development of Superintendent of the School District of Elm-
Loss has also led efforts to support his- pal of the Year Jamie Thomas individualized supports that help students brook. “We are incredibly proud of Allison’s
torically underserved students, contributing to The Association of Wisconsin School build independence and confidence. contributions to our students, staff, and school
improved outcomes and positioning the school Administrators has named Jamie Thomas as Ms. Urban is widely recognized as a community.”
to meet all criteria for exiting Comprehensive its 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year. compassionate educator who builds mean-
Support and Improvement status. Thomas serves as principal of Indian ingful relationships with students, families, elmbrookschools.org
“Catherine is a dedicated and com- Mound Middle School in the McFarland and colleagues. Colleagues describe her as
passionate leader who has built a strong, School District. There, she has focused on a resilient and dedicated professional who
inclusive school community focused on building a school culture rooted in belonging, leads with empathy, models effective strat- For more information about Wisconsin’s
student success,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. equity, and continuous improvement, ensuring egies for others, and consistently creates Teacher of the Year Program, see https://
Brenda Cassellius. “Her commitment to Mon- every student feels seen, supported, and chal- learning environments where all students www.herbkohlphilanthropies.org/celebrating-
tessori principles, academic excellence, and lenged to succeed. feel capable of success. excellence-in-education/teachers-of-the-year.
supporting the whole child has made a lasting Under Thomas’s leadership, Indian In addition to her classroom impact, php
impact on students, staff, and families.” Mound has become one of the top-performing Urban has served as a department chair and
Loss is known for her supportive lead- middle schools in Dane County. The school has mentor to fellow educators, supporting best
ership style and commitment to developing consistently ranked among the top three in the practices in special education and collabora-
both staff and students. She has strengthened county on the FORWARD exam in multiple tive instruction. Her leadership reflects a deep
instructional practices through initiatives such subject areas, with students often perform- commitment not only to her students, but also
as Montessori Reading Acceleration, Orton- to strengthening the professional practice of