Miguel Salazar, of Sundown Middle School
Finalist for NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year! 

Before becoming principal of Sundown Middle School in Region 17, Salazar was a math teacher, coach, assistant principal and high school principal. He is dedicated to fostering positive school cultures, promoting equity and ensuring student success. His leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that a thriving educational community is built upon shared accountability, high standards and continuous improvement. He champions proactive strategies to cultivate a positive school culture, focusing on building genuine relationships, addressing mental health needs and celebrating student achievements. He is committed to equipping students with the academic, social and emotional skills they need to succeed, and credits his staff for their willingness to carry out this vision.

One middle level and one high school winner will be announced as the 2025–26 NASSP National Principals of the Year on July 9 at a gala celebration in Seattle. To read more about the program, visit www.nassp.org/poy. Congratulations to Principal Salazar!

TASSP Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year for 2024-2025

TASSP recognizes outstanding principals and assistant principals from the twenty regional education service centers in the state each year. School administrators are nominated and chosen by their peers within their regions and then applications from these recipients are reviewed by the TASSP Principal Image Committee who selects the finalists for the State award. Nominations are based upon exemplary performance and outstanding leadership in secondary education.

TASSP HS Principal of the Year
Dr. Winston McCowan, Jr., Chisholm Trail High School, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD / Region 11
TASSP MS Principal of the Year
Miguel Salazar, Sundown Middle School, Sundown ISD / Region 17
TASSP HS AP of the Year
Sarah Castillo, Galena Park High School, Galena Park ISD / Region 4
TASSP MS AP of the Year
Dr. Matthew Hawkins, Seminole Junior High School, Seminole ISD / Region 17

View All 2024-2025 Award Winners 

The Outstanding 2024-2025 Texas Administrators will be honored at the 2025 Summer Workshop.

2025-2026 TASSP Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year - REGION

NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED.  TASSP seeks to recognize exemplary performance among campus-level administrators in Texas. The TASSP Region Outstanding Principal/Assistant Principal Awards are presented at the Josten’s Night of the Stars Awards Dinner held in conjunction with the TASSP Summer Workshop.
Once nominations are accepted, the region application form should be completed and forwarded to the appropriate TASSP Region Coordinator. Contact the Region Coordinator for region deadline information. Each region must report its 2025-2026 winners to the TASSP office by June 2025. (These outstanding administrators will be recognized at the 2026 Summer Workshop).
Each region will screen nominations and may select one outstanding administrator from each of the following categories:
  • High school principal
  • Junior high/middle school principal
  • High school assistant principal
  • Junior high/middle school assistant principal

Region Application Forms:

  • 2025-26 NOMINATION FORM for Region POY/APOY »  Nominations are closed
    This form may be used by colleagues or community members to nominate principals and assistant principals for these awards. For deadline contact your Region Coordinator.
  • 2025-2026 REGION Principal of the Year application » Applications are closed
  • 2025-2026 REGION Assistant Principal of the Year application » Applications are closed
NOTE: Download the application to your computer, open that copy, complete and save it for your records. For region recognition, send the completed application to your TASSP Region Coordinator. Find your Coordinator on your TASSP Region page.

2025-2026 Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year - STATE

TASSP seeks to recognize exemplary performance among campus level administrators in Texas. TASSP Region Outstanding Principal/Assistant Principal award winners qualify to apply for the Texas Principal or Texas Assistant Principal of the Year Awards.

  • APPLICATIONS ARE NOT YET OPEN - If you have been selected as a 2025-2026 TASSP Region POY/APOY and want to apply for state/national recognition, please download and complete an application:
    • 2025-2026 TASSP State Principal of the Year Application - Applications are not yet open 
    • 2025-2026 TASSP State Assistant Principal of the Year Application - Applications are not yet open
      (NOTE: Download the application to your computer, open that copy, complete the application, and save it for your records.)
  • Submit the completed application here. Applications are not yet open.
  • The deadline to submit your completed application with attachments (photograph, letters or recommendation, and Superintendent Certification) is September 27, 2025.
  • All applications will be forwarded to the Principal Image Committee to determine finalists for the Texas Principals/Assistant Principal of the Year. Selected finalists will attend an interview session with the Principal Image Committee members in early December 2025, with the winners announced the week following the interview sessions.

Please direct any questions regarding the application process to [email protected].