ESCANABA, MI— An Escanaba administrator has been named Michigan’s 2027 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
Jessica Garber is assistant principal of Escanaba Junior/Senior High School. MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster says Garber facilitated a schoolwide study of the documentary “Screenagers,” bringing students, staff and families together for conversations about technology use and its role in their lives. She also worked with educators to develop and pilot the Junior High Online Program after enrollment data revealed students were leaving for virtual learning options.
“Jessica pays attention to what students are experiencing and is willing to question whether the way we've always done things is meeting their needs. When students needed more flexible learning options, she worked with colleagues to create another pathway while keeping them connected to their school community,” says Ripmaster. “That same willingness to learn and explore new possibilities shapes how she develops student leadership and shares ideas with educators across Michigan. She brings people together to discover what else might work and helps turn those ideas into meaningful opportunities. That's how leadership changes lives.”
The 20-year educator will represent Michigan as its nominee for the National Principals Association Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year competition in February.
