Taft Student Awarded Principal of the Year

Sometimes we just have to share how great our students are – twice. You may remember a post about one of our current Doctor of Education (EdD) students, Peter Gillen, being on Wheel of Fortune recently. Now he’s been awarded the Massachusetts School Administrators Association (MSAA) 2019 Edmund K. Fanning Award for Middle School Principal of the Year.

Gillen has been principal of West Springfield Middle School since 2015, before which he served within the school district as an English teacher, Assistant Principal, and cross country coach.

As principal, he works to create an open environment within his school where all students have equal opportunity to find success. From starting the Thursday Club for at risk boys to accommodating students who speak different languages, being inclusive and supportive regardless of students’ situations and upbringing is central to his leadership.

Gillen and his family were recognized at the MSAA annual conference in Hyannis, MA in July. He is also the co-founder of NPT Education, LLC, which offers consulting and mentoring services to school administrators and teachers in the New England area.