Allensworth named “Elementary Principal of the Year” by SAI
Gayle Allensworth, principal of Inman Primary and Washington Intermediate schools in the Red Oak Community School District, has been named the 2018 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa.
Nominations occurred in May of 2017, followed by the completion of a nomination packet by Allensworth in June. Allensworth said she was recently notified that she was one of three finalists and would interview for the award in Des Moines.
Allensworth has served as a principal in Red Oak since 2011. Prior to that, Allensworth was a co-teacher of second-chance reading and special needs for grades 9-12 at Red Oak High School. Her career began as a kindergarten and K-6 special-needs teacher in the Council Bluffs Community School District. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in special education and an advanced endorsement as a special education consultant—all from the University of Northern Iowa. She also received her degree in educational leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
“Mrs. Allensworth epitomizes what every school wants and every child needs from a school leader. Individuals who work with her describe her with words such as ‘total dedication,’ ‘positive change’ and ‘students first.’ Although already a top Iowa school leader, Gayle continues to seek opportunities to learn and grow, providing an excellent model for her students and staff. She is an outstanding choice to represent all of the state’s elementary principals,” said SAI Executive Director Roark Horn.
The award was presented to Allensworth during a special ceremony at Inman Primary on Wednesday. Allensworth spoke about the honor she felt during that presentation.
“I am truly honored to receive an award that cumulatively represents all of the dedication and success our elementary staff and students are having! We have worked so hard as a team to strengthen our school culture, build structures and processes that impact learning and sustain effective collaborative processes to continue to grow. To be recognized for our work is rewarding beyond measure,” Allensworth said.
Allensworth added the staff and administrators she works with every day were key in helping herreceive the distinction
“It is so important for our community to know that although this award is technically given to me, it is a culmination of collaboration, on-going reflection related to improvement, and an unwavering belief that all students can learn that distinguishes the entire elementary staff. We have committed to excellence and providing the best we can for the students in our community,” commented Allensworth.
Allensworth said she was pleased to have the students and staff present during the presentation.
“Being with the students and staff that make up the elementary community on Tuesday during the announcement and listening to them cheer with joy, reading all of the hand-made cards from students and the countless emails and congratulatory messages on Facebook and other social media has been and will continue to be a highlight of this year, and perhaps many more to come. Nothing makes me more proud than to see our students share in the joy and have confidence in our school,” said Allensworth.
Allensworth will be recognized at a governor’s awards ceremony in May and the association’s annual conference in August. The National Association of Elementary School Principals will also honor her as a National Distinguished Principal this fall in Washington, D.C.