Dr. Genevieve Craig, assistant principal at Newcastle High School, has been named the 2025-2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP).
During her four years as NHS assistant principal, Dr. Craig has been instrumental in establishing consistent expectations, integrating restorative practices, and providing visible, accessible leadership throughout the building. Through collaborative work with staff to develop a school-wide behavior matrix, out-of-school suspension rates have significantly declined — from 101 students to 47. Even more notably, the number of students with multiple suspensions has dropped from 20 to just 7.
By cultivating a positive school culture grounded in restorative practices, Dr. Craig has modeled and trained students and staff in reflection, repair, and reintegration, emphasizing personal growth over punitive consequences.“ Dr. Craig exemplifies the highest standards of educational leadership,” said Dr. Cathy Walker, NPS superintendent. “Her passion, integrity, and tireless advocacy for students and teachers have helped shape a culture that inspires excellence every day. She is very deserving of this prestigious award.”
Dr. Craig approaches her role as assistant principal with a guiding question: What do students need to be successful? In partnership with the University of Oklahoma, she helped bring the Transformative Tutoring Program to Newcastle High School. As a result, 47% of seniors who have participated in the program since their freshman year have increased their proficiency by at least one level on state-mandated end-of-year assessments. The program has not only strengthened students’ academic performance but has also boosted their confidence in mathematics and enhanced their belief in themselves as capable learners across all subject areas.
DR. CRAIG: Boosted students’ belief in themselves
“Dr. Craig is the most valuable asset Newcastle High School has. Her ability to think outside the box and identify solutions before challenges even arise is truly second to none. Her passion for students is evident in every conversation she has, constantly encouraging them to think about their future and who they want to become,” said Adam Hull, NHS principal. “She is a true ‘forklift’ who lifts up everyone around her. We are very thankful to have Dr. Craig as a Racer.”
Dr. Pam Deering, Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration executive director, said, “On behalf of CCOSA, I am honored to congratulate Dr. Genevieve Craig on being selected as the OASSP Assistant Principal of the Year. Dr. Craig is an exemplary instructional leader who consistently puts students first, supports her teachers with compassion and high expectations, and models the kind of professionalism that strengthens the entire Newcastle school community.
“Her commitment to building positive relationships, raising academic achievement, and ensuring every student feels seen and supported truly reflects the best of Oklahoma’s secondary school leaders.
“We are proud to recognize her outstanding work and celebrate the impact she is making on her students, staff, and community.
OASSP Executive Director Chris LeGrande said, “I am deeply honored to recognize Dr. Craig as our Assistant Principal of the Year. Her leadership embodies the quiet strength and steady commitment that define the very best in secondary education. Assistant principals are often the unsung heroes of our schools — working behind the scenes to solve problems before anyone notices them, building systems that allow teachers to thrive, and supporting students in countless ways that rarely make the spotlight. Dr. Craig exemplifies this spirit every day.
“Her dedication, her compassion for students, and her relentless pursuit of excellence elevate her entire school community. We are proud to celebrate her remarkable contributions and the vital work she does to ensure that every student and staff member has the opportunity to succeed.”
In addition to being honored at the CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference in May, Dr. Craig will join fellow state nominees in Washington, D.C., in April 2026, when the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) announces the National Middle Level and High School Assistant Principals of the Year during its annual National Education Leadership Awards celebration. This is only the second time since 2014 that NASSP has expanded its recognition program to honor both middle-level and high school assistant principals.
