ALBANY, N.Y. — Jerrod Roberts, assistant principal at A.D. Oliver Middle School in the Brockport Central School District, has been selected as a 2018 New York State Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). This award is given annually to a member of SAANYS and NAESP who has set the pace, character, and quality of education for the children in his or her school. Nominees are administrators who are committed to students, parents, and the community and have shown exceptional contributions to the educational process. A longtime educator, Roberts has served as assistant principal at A.D. Oliver Middle School for the past four years, during which time he initially assisted and now leads the implementation of the Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) systems and structures at the school centered around three essentials: be respectful, be responsible, and be a learner. This has resulted in a more than 40 percent decrease in disciplinary referrals and increased student achievement as well as a positive turnaround of the culture at the middle school. Based on the success of the program, PBIS has since been implemented districtwide as well as regionally, and Roberts, along with his team, also had the opportunity to present their success at the 14th International PBIS Conference in Denver, Colorado. Commented science teacher Amy Phillips, “Jerrod has truly been a leader of the PBIS movement. From planning booster sessions, incentives, and teacher trainings, Jerrod has really become the ambassador for PBIS at AD Oliver. Due to his passion and work ethic, our staff is motivated to implement a PBIS approach.” While describing Robert’s work with PBIS, teacher Jessica Barton noted, “His positive outlook and willingness to work through any challenges helps make Brockport a wonderful place to be, either as a student or staff.”
A testament to his standing within the district at large, Principal Melody Martinez-Davis commented,
“First and foremost, Mr. Roberts is highly respected among staff, students, parents, and the greater community… When entering any space, Mr. Roberts carries a sense of optimism, tenacity, and passion that is unwavering. He is a role model for all educators and students and a valuable partner to parents and our administration team. Students report that Mr. Roberts cares about them as a person and he truly listens to them.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lesli C. Myers noted, “Jerrod’s positive influence has been felt district-wide, specifically with his significant contributions to the Oliver Middle School and district-level strategic plans. He is adept at using and evaluating strategic processes and structures to promote continuous and sustainable improvement, within and beyond his area of responsibility as an assistant principal. Further, he has been instrumental in contributing to a positive middle school climate.”
Roberts received his bachelor of arts in Spanish and bachelor of science in education degrees from SUNY Geneseo, his master of inclusive education degree from Nazareth College, and his professional school administration degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Roberts will be honored for his accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 4 at the Century House in Latham, New York. As the New York Assistant Principal of the Year for SAANYS/NAESP, his professional practices will be recognized and showcased by NAESP.
SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
