Beth Houf, principal of Fulton Middle School, is included in a list of 58 outstanding elementary and middle school principals named as 2016 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Houf and others will be honored Wednesday at an awards banquet at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., as part of a two-day program.
"To be selected as Missouri's National Distinguished Principal for 2016 has been such an extreme honor," Houf said. "It is truly a testament to all of the amazing mentors, educators and families that I've had the privilege to work with over the years. I love my job and the students and staff that I serve."
Hoef said she is looking forward to her first trip to Washington, D.C., representing her community of Fulton and the state of Missouri.
"There are so many positive and innovative things happening in our schools here that I can't wait to share with the other leaders that I will meet," she said. "I also look forward to bringing back ideas that I learn to our community."
Established in 1984, the National Distinguished Principals program recognizes public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The principals will also have the opportunity to share best practices. The 58 principal honorees are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools.
Houf has been a Fulton teacher and administrator for 14 years. Under her leadership, McIntire Elementary School was recognized by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as an Exemplary Professional Learning Community and became one of the first schools to exit the state's list of failing schools.
She was hired to take the helm at Fulton Middle School this past year and is creating a similar turnaround with a focus on school culture, innovation, and technology. Houf was recognized as an Exemplary New Principal in 2011. She holds B.A., master's, and leadership specialist degrees from the University of Missouri and has served as a statewide leader for Missouri's Leadership Academy since 2013.
NAESP Executive Director Gail Connelly congratulated the class of outstanding principals, noting their significant influence on the students, schools, and communities they serve.
"Principals are uniquely positioned to impact the academic, social, and emotional success of all students," she said. "These exceptional leaders have proven their commitment to providing a high-quality, well-rounded education in their schools. The National Distinguished Principals program recognizes these well-deserving principals for their extraordinary passion, dedication, and contribution to their schools, their students, and their communities."
October is National Principals Month, established to recognize and honor the contributions of school principals and assistant principals toward the success of the nation's students, and encourage awareness of their significance.
