AASSP Principal of the Year
Heather Johnson Named 2026 AASSP Alaska Principal of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2025
The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) is proud to announce that the Alaska Principal of the Year for 2026 is Heather Johnson, principal of Tanana Middle School in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Principal Johnson received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She completed her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Principal Johnson has spent her entire career in education, serving as both a teacher and principal in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. She started as a substitute teacher in the district in 1996 and served as assistant principal at West Valley High School before becoming the principal at Tanana Middle School.
David Nogg, President of AASSP, said Principal Johnson has been an exemplary leader in Alaska. "Heather stands out in the way she cares for the physical and emotional needs of all those in her learning community." He added, "Her staff, students, and families appreciate her for being visible, welcoming, and consistently supportive. Tanana Middle School is thriving as a result of her leadership."
According to April Scott, assistant principal at West Valley High School, Principal Johnson is an innovative and collaborative leader. "It is common practice that she has created new and more efficient processes, and she readily shares them without hesitation with her colleagues." Scott added that Principal Johnson excels at creating excitement in her school. "She has a contagious energy when serving students and staff, and I hope more people catch it."
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, shared that Principal Johnson is a strong leader in the district. "Heather Johnson leads with a rare combination of compassion, clarity, and purpose. You see it in the way she welcomes every student, especially our military-connected youth who often face unique transitions, and in how she lifts up and empowers those around her." Dr. Meinert added, "Her school isn't just a place of learning, it's a place of belonging. She nurtures future leaders, inspires her staff, and ensures every child feels seen, safe, and supported."
Dr. Meinert congratulated Principal Johnson, saying, "We are incredibly excited for Heather's well-deserved recognition as Alaska Principal of the Year. It reflects the lasting impact she makes each and every day."
AASSP sponsors Regional and Statewide Principal of the Year recognition programs
Region Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year Award (requires a nomination)
A call for nominations is made each January, with recognition at the Fall Principals Conference each year. Nominations should be submitted through the approved nomination application form which will be directed to the designated AASSP Region Director, who coordinates the voting/selection process for their Region.
All principals nominated for Regional Principal of the Year must be a member of AASSP/NASSP at time of nomination and selection and must have been a principal for three or more years.
Regional Principals of the Year may be nominated by anyone — students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers. Nominations must include a RPOY Nomination form that can be obtained by the Regional AASSP board member.
Only nominations that meet all above criteria will be included in the ballot for each region. Selection of the RPOY is made only by current AASSP members in their region.
Winners of their region’s RPOY award are encouraged to then apply for the Alaska Principal of the Year by completing the NASSP National Principal of the Year Award Application.
Alaska Principal of the Year Award (requires completion of an application)
All regional winners will be eligible to complete the Alaska State Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year Award Application. Applicants must be members of AASSP and NASSP at the time of application, and must have been a principal in a K-12, middle or high school for three years. Applicants must be a member of AASSP/NASSP at the time of recognition and meet all other criteria.
A selection committee is formed and makes final selection. The selections made for Alaska Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year are then invited to complete the NASSP application for consideration as National Principal & Assistant Principal of the Year.