MMS principal Pitts honored
Kevin Pitts
Maryville Middle School Principal Kevin Pitts was honored with the Northwest Region Distinguished Principal award Saturday at the 2016 Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals Leadership Conference.
Each year, MAESP chooses one principal from each of its 12 regions to recognize as an outstanding professional in the field of elementary and middle school education.
“We’re looking for well-rounded, quality leaders who are recognized by their peers,” said Michael Schooley, executive director of MAESP.
MAESP is part of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Each individual state is responsible for forming its own process by which to select regional honorees.
In Missouri, local affiliates in each region nominate their peers, who then fill out an application packet.
Nominees must detail the highlights of their career at a school such as their leadership agenda and how they assist struggling learners. They are also required to include four letters of reference from an administrator, supervisor, teacher, and parent.
The next step is an interview in front of a committee of five MAESP members, including three former Missouri National Distinguished Principals.
Once the 12 regional honorees have been chosen, they are recognized at the Leadership Conference banquet in Osage Beach, Mo.
“It’s a fairly elite group of administrators,” said Schooley.
The MAESP award recognition comes less than a week before MMS’s second annual Leadership Day to be held Friday.
Pitts was instrumental in initiating the school’s “Leader in Me” curriculum in 2014.
The curriculum encourages educators to view every child as a capable leader and to implement strategies to inspire individual and team success.
Maryville R-II Superintendent Becky Albrecht said Pitts has a wealth of professional knowledge and a passion for his students.
“It’s a great honor for Kevin and for the school,” said Albrecht. “He really goes above and beyond when it comes to operating as a professional day in and day out.”
Schooley said that Pitts embodies a leader who demonstrates community involvement, positive relationships with peers and parents, and a high level of student achievements.
“Kevin is really outstanding and that showed in his application and in his work with the school,” said Schooley. “I’m proud to call him a colleague and friend.”
The Missouri National Distinguished Principal is also selected at the annual MAESP conference; this year’s winner was Beth Houf of Fulton Middle School in the northeast district.
