North Carolina’s 2017 Wells Fargo Principal of the Year Jason Griffin also is the state’s 2017 National Distinguished Principal. The Hertford Grammar principal will join 61 elementary and middle-level educators chosen by the states, the District of Columbia, and private and overseas schools for their efforts to set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for the students, families and staff.
“Congratulations to Jason. While he continues to win accolades at the state and national level, his real impact is on the students at Hertford Grammar School,” North Carolina Superintendent Mark Johnson said.
Griffin said he was honored to receive this national award. “This recognition is a reminder of the hard work that our team at Hertford Grammar has put forth to help our school and students move forward. Our teachers and staff have embraced my leadership and have played a major role in my success,” he said.
A graduate of East Carolina University and Elizabeth City State University, Griffin has worked the majority of his educational career at Hertford Grammar School, having been a third grade teacher, dean of students and principal-elect. He has served as the school’s principal since 2014. Other recognitions include Teacher of the Year in Martin and Perquimans counties, and National Distinguished Principal in Digital Learning in 2014.
Next week (Oct. 12-13), Griffin will travel to Washington, D.C., where he will spend two days participating in activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to this year’s recipients.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals’ National Distinguished Principals program honors outstanding elementary and middle-level principals who ensure that America's children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Selection criteria require that the individual is a practicing principal with at least five years of experience in the principalship who plans to continue as a practicing principal. The principal also must demonstrate evidence of outstanding contributions to the community and to the education profession.
About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction:
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides leadership to 115 local public school districts and 160 charter schools serving over 1.5 million students in kindergarten through high school graduation. The agency is responsible for all aspects of the state's public school system and works under the direction of the North Carolina State Board of Education.