The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) has named Elizabeth “Liz” Nelson as its 2024 Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year.

As Associate Principal of Elmbrook’s Pilgrim Park Middle School, Nelson helps to oversee more than 900 students and 125 teachers and staff. Throughout her five-year tenure at the school, key achievements have included implementing and leading the Behavior Management Team (BMT), establishing comprehensive professional development and engagement opportunities for staff, and facilitating 31 extracurricular student clubs and activities per year.

“Liz exemplifies outstanding leadership and dedication in her role as Associate Principal at Pilgrim Park Middle School,” said Principal Kelly Szesterniak. “Her commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment has made a significant impact on both students and staff. This award is a testament to her commitment, hard work, integrity, and dedication to excellence.”

Liz’s belief in continuous improvement guides all aspects of her work. She is thoughtful and reflective in understanding the needs of her school and then creates and deploys systems to support its success. She leads with intentionality and integrity, while prioritizing proactive solutions and communication. Nelson is involved in multiple initiatives, including Project Lead the Way, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), and professional learning communities. She also conducts data-driven meetings to identify students who require additional support. Additionally, she has implemented a Check and Connect program to engage and motivate at-risk students in a one-on-one setting. 

“On behalf of Pilgrim Park Middle School and our entire school district, I would like to express our appreciation to AWSA for recognizing Liz Nelson with this honor,” said Dr. Mark Hansen, Superintendent of the School District of Elmbrook. “We have exceptionally talented leaders in our schools, and we are thrilled to be able to acknowledge their contributions.”

“We are honored to recognize Elizabeth Nelson as the Wisconsin Middle School Associate Principal of the Year,” said Jim Lynch, executive director of AWSA. “Her commitment to supporting high standards and fostering a positive and accountable environment embodies leadership excellence. This is a well-deserved honor for a hard-working and widely respected middle school leader.”

Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University.

The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes associate principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across Wisconsin. Selection criteria include a commitment to personal excellence, collaborative leadership, personalization, curriculum, instruction and assessment, and serving as an established and respected community member.

A committee representing teachers, superintendents, board members, parents, and the Department of Public Instruction reviews the applications and selects an AP of the year at the middle school and high school levels.  Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.

Nelson will be formally recognized at the Associate Principals Convention in January. She will also receive $1,000 for use on a project of her choice at her middle school. Additionally, Nelson will represent the state of Wisconsin at the National Assistant Principal of the Year Celebration in Washington, D.C., in spring 2025, where the Associate Principals of the Year from middle and high schools across the country will be honored.

Pictured L to R: Jim Lynch (AWSA), Katie Lowe (AWSA), Kelly Szesterniak (PPMS Principal), Liz Nelson (PPMS AP), Jean Lambert (Board Vice President), Scott Wheeler (Board President)