ASCD Honors Nevada Principal as OYEA Winner

During the Opening General Session, ASCD honored Nevada Principal Pete Hall as the third recipient of the Association's Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA). Hall, principal of Anderson Elementary School in Reno, Nev., was selected for the inventive leadership he has displayed in transforming a low-performing elementary school into a high-achieving school.

"Pete Hall is not a typical elementary school principal," said ASCD Executive Director Gene Carter, who presented the award to Hall. "Where others see overwhelming odds, he sees opportunity. Where others see a risk of failure, he sees his calling. For his determination in helping the students who need his help the most, ASCD is proud to name him the Outstanding Young Educator of the Year."

"He is a strong leader who encourages creative thought and innovative teaching among his staff," said Wayland Denny, dean of students at Anderson Elementary, who nominated Hall for the award.

Saying that the award is a celebration of the contributions of all educators, Hall called for educators to join him in what he respectfully called "the attack."

Hall was selected from four national finalists for the 2004 OYEA Award. The other finalists are

• Jarrett Reid Whitaker, a science and lab teacher and instructional coordinator at Port Houston Elementary School in Houston, Tex.
• La'Mont Geddis, a technology coordinator and teacher at Ernest E. Just Middle School in Mitchellville, Md.
• Alesia Slocumb-Bradford, a math teacher at Jefferson Junior High School in Washington, D.C.

As the ASCD Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, Hall will be profiled in Educational Leadership and will receive a check for $10,000. He also earned an ASCD Institutional Membership for his school.
Nominations are currently being accepted for next year's award.

• Learn more about Pete Hall in this Educational Leadership article.
• Hear more from Pete Hall in this Education World "Wire Side Chat."
• Learn more aboutStaffing the Principalship: Finding, Coaching, and Mentoring School Leaders.
• Find out how to best support new teachers, read A Better Beginning: Supporting and Mentoring New Teachers and watch the Mentoring the New Teacher Videos.