Schools to Watch Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Kentucky Michigan New Jersey New York North Carolina Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Texas Utah Virginia

Indiana Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky | Michigan | New Jersey New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Texas | Utah | Virginia State Director Susie Highley IMLEA_ED@iasp.org Participating Organizations Indiana Association of School Principals Indiana Middle Level Education Association 11025 E. 25th Street Indianapolis, IN 46229 317-759-4344 Email: IMLEA_ED@iasp.org State Website: https://imlea.org Joined National STW Program in 2009 Schools to Watch Application 2026 Application Instructions Indiana Schools to Watch Benjamin Franklin Middle School (2019, 2023) Cascade Middle School (2024) Center for Inquiry School 84 (2018, 2023) Christel House Academy South (2011) East Central Middle School (2018) East Washington Middle School (2019) Hazelwood Middle School (2015) Hebron Middle School (2012, 2022) Highland Hills Middle School (2015) Jac-Cen-Del Jr Sr High School (2018) Lebanon Middle School (2015) Northridge Middle School (2015, 2023) Plainfield Community Middle School (2023) Riverside Intermediate School Plymouth (2012, 2022) Rochester Middle School (2017, 2020, 2023) Scribner Middle School (2015) Shelbyville Middle School (2014, 2020) South Ripley Jr. High School (2016) Thomas Jefferson Middle School (2011, 2023) Triton Central Middle School (2010, 2020) Tri-West Middle School (2023, 2020, 2023) School Profiles Coming Soon

Attend the National Schools to Watch conference in June, in Washington D.C. Join us at the 2026 National Schools to Watch Conference , a one-of-a-kind event bringing together passionate middle-level educators from across the nation. This conference is rooted in the Schools to Watch (STW) model, showcasing specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. With inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on sessions, and peer-led learning opportunities, this event is designed to foster growth, connections, and inspiration. We invite you to be part of this unique journey of professional development and celebration! Register Today! Hill Visits DIY Guide Advocacy is a critical component of education policy and practice, and we want to help you make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. With our DIY Visit Guide , you can schedule and prepare for a meeting with your Senator or Representative during the National Schools to Watch Conference. Download it now and get ready to make an impact. Download Guide Conference Schedule Coming Soon! SCHOOLS TO WATCH AWARD CELEBRATIONS Bring your team and celebrate your success! Early Bird Register before March 13, 2026 Schools to Watch: $469 per person Non-STW: $489 per person Standard Rate Register between March 14, 2026 and May 18, 2026 Schools to Watch: $519 per person Non-STW: $539 per person Don't Be Late! Register between May 19, 2026 and the day of the event Schools to Watch: $569 per person Non-STW: $589 per person ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT: Crystal Gateway Marriott (not Crystal City) 1700 Richmond Hwy. Arlington, VA 22202 Special Room Rate: $275 plus taxes & fees Make your hotel reservations online Register Today! Apply Today! CALL FOR PRESENTERS For many teams, one of the best parts of the Schools to Watch recognition is sharing something that YOUR school does exceptionally well. What program or initiative stands out? What are you most proud of? What can you teach other schools from across the country to replicate at their sites? Please submit a presentation idea that is interactive, useful, and fun! Resource sharing (of templates, example schedules, etc.) is encouraged. Sessions are 45 minutes in length. Frequently asked questions Who should attend? ANYONE who is interested in learning from the best middle-level educators in the country. Why should I attend? There is not only one national conference created by middle level educators specifically designed for middle level educators ... but there is only ONE based on the Schools to Watch ® (STW) model! This one-of-a-kind event focuses on specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. The conference is organized around the following STW domains: Academic Excellence, Organizational Structures & Processes, Developmental Responsiveness, and Social Equity. What is Schools to Watch? Schools to Watch ® (STW) was designed by the National Forum . Criteria established by the Forum are used as the basis for the Schools to Watch Program, which focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success. Get more information from your State Director or contact us . What is included with registration? Two-and-a-half days of professional learning, one awards celebration, keynote speakers, and one continental breakfast. What is the cancellation policy? ALL registrations are subject to the cancellation policy. Many conference-related fees are paid by the National Forum in advance, therefore, refunds will only be processed as follows: Prior to April 25, 2026, 15% fee; April 26, 2026 - May 25, 2026, 50% fee; after May 25, 2026, no refund. A colleague may substitute to avoid cancellation penalties. To make a substitution please email Kris with the new information. Registrations are not refundable 30 days prior to the event for any reason, including without limitation, no-show due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems, acts of terrorism, public health emergencies or alerts, loss of employment, and/or duplicate purchases. National Forum will provide registration refunds and options in the event National Forum fully cancels the event. Can I attend if I am not from a Schools to Watch? Yes! All are welcome. Do you have sponsor or exhibit opportunities? Yes! Our carefully crafted sponsorship opportunities offer prime visibility and engagement. This is your chance to align your brand with excellence in education and leave a lasting impact on the Schools to Watch network. Information coming soon! Contact Maryam with any questions. Become a member today! Join

The National Forum runs the nationwide Schools to Watch program. STW is a designation awarded to outstanding middle schools across the country. National Schools to Watch Conference Washington, D.C. June 25-27, 2026 Register Today! About Us Our Goal, Vision & Commitment Save the Dates National Schools to Watch Conference June 25-27, 2026 Washington D.C. Get Involved Become a Forum Member ABOUT US The mission of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform is to unite key stakeholders to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership, and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform. National STW Conference June 25-27, 2026 | Washington, D.C. JOIN US Share Your Story We want to hear from you! SHARE NOW

Attend the National Schools to Watch conference in June, in Washington D.C. Featured Speakers | Conference Schedule | Hill Visits | Conference Rates | Registration | Hotel Information | FAQ Sessions | Sponsor/Exhibit Featured Speakers June 20th Lori L. Hayes has been described as relevant, real, and relational. Drawing from over 20 years in education, Lori uses her comedic personality to energize, inspire and challenge audiences across the globe. As a former classroom teacher, the wife of a high school administrator, and a mother, Lori "gets" students, parents, faculty, and administrators. She can't wait to help us RECHARGE ourselves and our organizations! Lori Hayes June 21st Choosing optimism —even in the face of tough challenges—helps restore the healthy interactions and positive relationships necessary for enacting real school change. Hear how teachers and school leaders can rekindle their individual and collective enthusiasm for a profession that has been progressively inundated with negativity. Be prepared to learn, to laugh, and to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a fact-based, positive approach to “taking back our profession.” Research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios will be included. Purchase a ticket to Jack Berckemeyer's special session. Jack Berckemeyer June 22nd THE POWER OF POSITIVE LEADERSHIP: Leading with UNRELENTLESS HOPE and FOCUS It's not a secret that being a LEADER in education is extremely tough, especially over the last 3 years! The data clearly shows that teachers, administrators, and those in positions of leadership are burning out faster than ever before. With the growing amount of job expectations, compounded trauma amongst students and staff, and ever-pressing accountability measures, it is easy for one to become discouraged AND distracted. WE MUST REMEMBER, however, THAT THERE IS HOPE! Let's explore research, strategies, and tools to empower you to strategically forge ahead in a positive, purposed, and productive manner! There is POWER in POSITIVE LEADERSHIP! The BOSS Educator Register Today! Conference Schedule Thursday, June 20 Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:00 am Welcome / Parade of States: 9:00 am Keynote: 9:30 - 10:30 am State Meet-ups: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 1: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 2: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards - New Schools: 3:30 - 5:00 pm Friday, June 21 Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:00 am Keynote: 9:00 - 10:30 am Session 3: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 4: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 5: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards: Redesignation Levels 2 & 3 Schools 3:30 - 4:15 pm Redesignation Levels 1 & 4-7 Schools 4:30 - 5:15 pm Saturday, June 22 Continental Breakfast: 8:30 - 9:30 am The BOSS Educator: 9:30 - 11:00 am Schedule is subject to change. SCHOOLS TO WATCH AWARD CELEBRATIONS NE W AND REDESIGN ATING SCHOOLS TO WATCH WILL BE HONORED! Bring your team, dress to the nines, and celebrate your success! Conference Sponsors Thursday Keynote Speaker Sponsor Sown To Grow is a comprehensive student support platform that empowers schools to improve student social, emotional, and academic well-being through an easy and engaging reflection and feedback process. Designed by a team of former educators for practical classroom impact, Sown To Grow offers a simple Tier 1 practice for building a sense of belonging and key life skills, with real-time data on well-being and actionable resources for proactively supporting student needs. Table Sponsor - Scoutlier by Aecern helps teachers create scaffold, differentiate, and inspiring lessons to engage middle-school students in STEM and other subjects. - Scoutlier and its content are free and have been both funded and designed by the National Science Foundation, MIT Critical Data, and the DOE to help teachers scaffold, differentiate, and inspire students in classrooms of any size. Photo Booth Sponsor Arts Attack is a K-8 digital visual arts program along with Artful Reading that includes 10 read aloud books that are correlated to art lessons in the program. Table Sponsor Great Falls Travel , an educator-owned and operated travel company, specializes in customized educational tours for students. Our experienced team of educators designs itineraries aligned with educational goals, focusing on destinations with rich learning opportunities. We handle all trip details, prioritizing safety, engagement, and unique experiences. Our commitment to memorable, educational travel sets us apart. Become a Conference Sponsor Hill Visits DIY Guide is Available Advocacy is a critical component of education policy and practice, and we want to help you make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. With our DIY Visit Guide , you can schedule and prepare for a meeting with your Senator or Representative during the National Schools to Watch Conference. Download it now and get ready to make an impact. Download Guide Early Bird Register before January 31, 2024 Schools to Watch: $399 per person Non-STW: $419 Standard Rate Register between February 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024 Schools to Watch: $449 per person Non-STW: $489 per person Don't Be Late! Register between April 15, 2024 and the day of the event Schools to Watch: $499 per person Non-STW: $519 per person ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT: Crystal Gateway Marriott (not Crystal City) 1700 Richmond Hwy. Arlington, VA 22202 Special Room Rate: $262 pl us taxes & fees Make your hotel reservations online Register Today! Frequently asked questions Who should attend? ANYONE who is interested in learning from the best middle-level educators in the country. Why should I attend? There is not only one national conference created by middle level educators specifically designed for middle level educators ... but there is only ONE based on the Schools to Watch ® (STW) model! This one-of-a-kind event focuses on specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. The conference is organized around the following STW domains: Academic Excellence, Organizational Structures & Processes, Developmental Responsiveness, and Social Equity. What is Schools to Watch? Schools to Watch ® (STW) was designed by the National Forum . Criteria established by the Forum are used as the basis for the Schools to Watch Program, which focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success. Get more information from your State Director or contact us . What is included with registration? Two-and-a-half days of professional learning, one awards celebration, keynote speakers, and one continental breakfast. What is the cancellation policy? ALL registrations are subject to the cancellation policy. Many conference-related fees are paid by the National Forum in advance, therefore, refunds will only be processed as follows: Prior to April 25, 2026, 15% fee; April 26, 2026 - May 25, 2026, 50% fee; after May 25, 2026, no refund. A colleague may substitute to avoid cancellation penalties. To make a substitution please email Kris with the new information. Registrations are not refundable 30 days prior to the event for any reason, including without limitation, no-show due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems, acts of terrorism, public health emergencies or alerts, loss of employment, and/or duplicate purchases. National Forum will provide registration refunds and options in the event National Forum fully cancels the event. Can I attend if I am not from a Schools to Watch? Yes! All are welcome. Do you have sponsor or exhibit opportunities? Yes! Our carefully crafted sponsorship opportunities offer prime visibility and engagement. This is your chance to align your brand with excellence in education and leave a lasting impact on the Schools to Watch network. Information coming soon! Contact Maryam with any questions. Become a member today! Join

Attend the National Schools to Watch conference in June, in Washington D.C. Conference Schedule | Conference Rates | Volunteer | Hotel Information | Hill Visits | Sessions | Sponsor/Exhibit | FAQ Join us at the 2025 National Schools to Watch Conference , a one-of-a-kind event bringing together passionate middle-level educators from across the nation. This conference is rooted in the Schools to Watch® (STW) model, showcasing specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. With inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on sessions, and peer-led learning opportunities, this event is designed to foster growth, connections, and inspiration. We invite you to be part of this unique journey of professional development and celebration! Register Today! Featured Speakers Rochelle Wilson With over a decade of experience as a middle school educator, Rochelle transitioned into a consultant, author, and nonprofit leader, driven by her passion for creating impactful learning environments. Her work empowers educators to foster spaces where students thrive, feel heard, and have a voice. In her keynote, From Educator to Changemaker: My Journey to Impacting the Next Generation , Rochelle will share her personal journey, innovative mentorship strategies, and insights on turning challenges into growth opportunities. Jonathan Alsheimer Jonathan is a dynamic middle school teacher, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker known for his electrifying energy and innovative approach. As the author of NEXT LEVEL TEACHING and School of Engagement —both Amazon #1 new releases—he’s inspired educators and students to break barriers and aim higher. Jonathan’s impact extends beyond the classroom with partnerships that empower students. From working with UFC fighters, celebrities, and brands to launching the national “A Rae of Hope” movement in over 15 states, his work transforms schools and communities. He’s also led anti-bullying campaigns and leadership initiatives, proving his motto: “Game-changing is not a cliché—it’s a way of life!” Dr. Martinrex Kedziora Color Me Creative and Call Me Brilliant What does it truly mean to make someone feel like they matter? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking session, Dr. Kedziora, National Forum Board President, shares his personal journey through a lifetime in education, highlighting how compassion, creativity, and connection can transform lives. "Color Me Creative and Call Me Brilliant" invites participants to reflect on the power of belonging and self-worth, especially for those who may not always feel seen or celebrated. More than a presentation, this is a call to action: to lead with heart, to see brilliance in every learner, and to understand that gratitude is more than a simple “thank you”—it’s a practice of acknowledgment and purpose. Conference Schedule Wednesday, June 25 Conference Registration 4:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday, June 26 Conference Registration / Coffee: 7:30 am Welcome / Parade of States / STW Awards Redesignation Level 6-7: 8:30 am Keynote: 9:30 - 10:30 am State Meet-ups: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 1: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 2: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards - New Schools: 3:30 - 5:00 pm Friday, June 27 Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:30 am Keynote: 9:00 - 10:30 am Session 3: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 4: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 5: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards Redesignation Level 2-3: 3:30 - 4:15 pm Redesignation Level 1, 4-5: 4:30 - 6:00 pm Saturday, June 28 Continental Breakfast: 8:30 am Keynote: 9:00 - 11:00 am Schedule is subject to change. SCHOOLS TO WATCH AWARD CELEBRATIONS Bring your team, dress to the nines, and celebrate your success! STW Celebration Schedule Thursday, June 26 Redesignation Level 6-7: 8:30 am New Schools: 3:30 pm Friday, June 27 Redesignation Level 2-3: 3:30 pm Redesignation Level 1, 4-5: 4:30 pm Schedule is subject to change. Conference Sponsors Friday Keynote Speaker Sponsor nXu partners with schools and youth organizations through a flexible 6-part model focused on purpose, durable skills, and wellness. Our offerings align with the key steps schools follow when adopting new programs, ensuring seamless integration and impact. Table Sponsor Thriving YOUniversity empowers the extraordinary in individuals, schools, and organizations through experiential learning, professional development, keynotes, resources, and programs to sustain a positive culture. Table Sponsor eReflect is an educational technology company that is committed to promoting Digital Equity. We have developed Typesy, a comprehensive learning platform that is aligned with educational standards and focuses on essential skills such as typing, computer skills, literacy, and a transdisciplinary approach. With Typesy, we aim to provide a platform that empowers learners to acquire digital literacy and proficiency and to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in the digital age. Photo Booth Sponsor Great Falls Travel , an educator-owned and operated travel company, specializes in customized educational tours for students. Our experienced team of educators designs itineraries aligned with educational goals, focusing on destinations with rich learning opportunities. We handle all trip details, prioritizing safety, engagement, and unique experiences. Our commitment to memorable, educational travel sets us apart. Table Sponsor These free, teacher-created, comprehensive, and ready-made lessons are designed to shape your students into the next generation of leaders. By integrating Medal of Honor Recipients’ and Citizen Honors Awardees' stories into engaging lessons, CDP empowers students to: Build strong character. Develop leadership skills. Become active citizens. Embrace the spirit of service. Become a Conference Sponsor Hill Visits DIY Guide is Available Advocacy is a critical component of education policy and practice, and we want to help you make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. With our DIY Visit Guide , you can schedule and prepare for a meeting with your Senator or Representative during the National Schools to Watch Conference. Download it now and get ready to make an impact. Download Guide Early Bird Extended! Register before March 15, 2025 Schools to Watch: $449 per person Non-STW: $469 Standard Rate Register between March 15, 2025 and May 19, 2025 Schools to Watch: $499 per person Non-STW: $519 per person Don't Be Late! Register between May 20, 2025 and the day of the event Schools to Watch: $549 per person Non-STW: $569 per person Register Today! ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT: Crystal Gateway Marriott (not Crystal City) 1700 Richmond Hwy. Arlington, VA 22202 Special Room Rate: $269 pl us taxes & fees Make your hotel reservations online The Marriott will likely sell out at the conference rate. You may call the hotel to check on availability at the standard rate: 703-920-3230 There may be rooms available at nearby hotels. We recommend using Expedia or something similar. Here is a list of some local hotels: The Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport : 703-486-1111 Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City : 703-418-8181 Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport : 703-892-1050 Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport : 703-979-9799 Crowne Plaza Crystal City-Washington, D.C. by IHG : 703-416-1600 Download Whova, the official conference app . Registered attendees can sign in using the email address used during registration. Schedule subject to change. Frequently asked questions Who should attend? ANYONE who is interested in learning from the best middle-level educators in the country. Why should I attend? There is not only one national conference created by middle level educators specifically designed for middle level educators ... but there is only ONE based on the Schools to Watch ® (STW) model! This one-of-a-kind event focuses on specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. The conference is organized around the following STW domains: Academic Excellence, Organizational Structures & Processes, Developmental Responsiveness, and Social Equity. What is Schools to Watch? Schools to Watch ® (STW) was designed by the National Forum . Criteria established by the Forum are used as the basis for the Schools to Watch Program, which focuses on school improvement efforts characterized by a continuous trajectory toward success. Get more information from your State Director or contact us . What is included with registration? Two-and-a-half days of professional learning, one awards celebration, keynote speakers, and one continental breakfast. What is the cancellation policy? ALL registrations are subject to the cancellation policy. Many conference-related fees are paid by the National Forum in advance, therefore, refunds will only be processed as follows: Prior to April 25, 2026, 15% fee; April 26, 2026 - May 25, 2026, 50% fee; after May 25, 2026, no refund. A colleague may substitute to avoid cancellation penalties. To make a substitution please email Kris with the new information. Registrations are not refundable 30 days prior to the event for any reason, including without limitation, no-show due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems, acts of terrorism, public health emergencies or alerts, loss of employment, and/or duplicate purchases. National Forum will provide registration refunds and options in the event National Forum fully cancels the event. Can I attend if I am not from a Schools to Watch? Yes! All are welcome. Do you have sponsor or exhibit opportunities? Yes! Our carefully crafted sponsorship opportunities offer prime visibility and engagement. This is your chance to align your brand with excellence in education and leave a lasting impact on the Schools to Watch network. Information coming soon! Contact Maryam with any questions. Become a member today! Join Up

2023 El Rancho Charter School Orange Unified School District Orange County Michele Walker, Principal Enrollment: 1,109. Grade Levels: 7-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices 0-7 period bell schedule with flexible options for families in the school day Twice-weekly, 30-minute tutorial for all students with embedded support Two therapy dogs support students and put smiles on everyone’s faces Psychologist-made wellness center for students to reset/decompress Consistent communication: Social media, weekly newsletter, Google Classroom

2023 Jefferson Middle School San Gabriel Unified School District Los Angeles County Christopher Guyer, Principal Enrollment: 899. Grade Levels: 6-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Wellness center with coordinator, MFT interns, workshops, mindfulness LTEL journalists produce school newsletters Electives from mock trial to robotics and music immersion ELA/math co-teaching inclusion for fluid groupings, equity, UDL, JIT supports Student-centered facilities: fitness lab, kitchen, writing center with student fellows

2017-2018 Brookland Middle School 2017-2018 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2011 Re-Designated in 2015 Community Size - Rural School Enrollment - 378 Grade Levels - 5, 6 School Calendar - Block Free and Reduced Lunch 37% English Learners 3% Students With Disabilities 8% Demographics Hispanic 5% White 90% African American 2% Asian 0% Native American 0% Pacific Islander 0% Filipino 0% Two or More 0% Other 3% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence Implementation of “Zero Lab” provides an additional avenue for students to excel. Availability of chromebooks for both fifth and sixth graders are housed in classrooms/ Teachers are trained in a variety of instructional strategies. Building educators provide quality training to their colleagues in their area of expertise. Online resources enhance core instruction for the classroom teacher. Recognized for being in the top 20% of schools in Arkansas on state assessment results; acknowledged by the Office of Educational Performance at the University of Arkansas. Developmental Responsiveness Watch D.O.G.S program provides a way to incorporate parents into the school. Second Chance Breakfast fosters the importance of health and wellness and also ensures the needs of all students are being met. Career Day provides students the opportunity to discover potential occupational choices. Protected Advisory time with the same adult advocate cultivates positive relationships and addresses the need of the “whole child”. Parent Teacher Organization plays a vital role in assisting the school. A well developed transition plan is in place for students both entering and exiting the building planning for student success. Social Equity Weekly Club Day embedded in Master Schedule in which students have a voice in choosing their student-led club. Implementation of quality programs such as Zero Lab, RtI, and Red Wolves Read motivates students and fosters a culture of high expectations. BMS utilizes many community partnerships enhancing opportunities for student success. Differentiated instruction is a common practice in every classroom. Organizational Support Strong Student Council which allows for student voice and choice. A multi-tiered RtI program is in place to support all students. Professional Learning Communities are established by teams and by subject area. The Master Schedule allows for teaming. Central Office Personnel is supportive of the middle school concept and initiatives. Principal is actively involved in promoting middle school concepts through participation in middle level organizations.

2019 National Schools To Watch Conference Featuring Rick Wormeli, Gerry Brooks, and William Martinez June 26-29, 2019 View conference photos

David McDonald Treasurer Dr. David D. McDonald began his education career in 2001. He has served as a high school social studies teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal for 10 years prior to being named Assistant Superintendent for Middle Schools for the largest school district in South Carolina. In 2013, Dr. McDonald was named S.C. Middle-Level Principal of the Year and in 2017 was named the AMLE Educator of the Year. Well respected in numerous schools and states, Dr. McDonald works tirelessly to support middle-level education. His professional associations include serving as President of the South Carolina Association for Middle-Level Education, Schools to Watch State Co-Director, and as a board member for the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Dr. McDonald earned a Bachelor’s degree from Winthrop University, a Master’s degree from Concordia University, and Educational Specialist and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of South Carolina. < Back

Winton Buddington Member-At-Large As an educator with 32 years in middle level education, Winton was fortunate to teach social studies, mathematics, science, language arts as well as working as an enrichment specialist prior to spending 18 years as Principal and House Principal at Bay Trail Middle School in Penfield, NY. During his career he served in union leadership roles and as a trainer for various educational programs. Winton proudly celebrated Bay Trail Middle Schools designation as a National School To Watch with his staff, students and community in 2010 and their re-designations in 2013, 2016 and 2019. After retiring in 2022, he serves as the Director of Logistics and School Outreach for Sweethearts and Heroes and remains active as a member of the New York State Middle School Association Board, the New York Essential Elements Schools To Watch Leadership Board, and the National Form to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform Board of Directors. < Back