NAESP National Distinguished Principal: Class of 2024, Shannon McCaskey, Frances Nungester Elementary School, Decatur City Schools, Decatur, Alabama

In her 12 years as principal of Frances Nungester Elementary School (FNES), Shannon McCaskey has worked to defy the stereotypes often associated with high-poverty schools. Key to the school’s consistent success is McCaskey’s ability to build a culture defined by high standards and to overcome barriers of mindset that inhibit the growth of students and teachers alike. McCaskey’s leadership is informed by her own experience as an alumnus of the school and “the product of a transient, single-parent home.” Having caring teachers in her corner helped her overcome the obstacles to success she faced as a child, inspiring her to lead in ways that build a sense of belonging and academic potential in every student. The school’s academic success gives credence to McCaskey’s belief that, with adequate support, any student, irrespective of socioeconomic class, is capable of success. FNES has maintained a B on its state report card for the last decade and was named a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for the last five consecutive years, a distinction McCaskey credits to the school’s “it takes a village” approach to meeting students’ basic needs, reinforcing positive behavior, and closing achievement gaps schoolwide. McCaskey was a second- and third-grade teacher for 14 years before becoming a principal. She is active in community service projects and holds bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees from the University of North Alabama.