Mary Kay Sommers

President, National Association of Elementary School Principals, 2007-2008,
Principal, Shepardson Elementary School,
Fort Collins, Colorado.

Mary Kay Sommers is currently serving as President of the National Association of Elementary School Principals for the 2007-08 school year. She is also the K-6 Principal for Shepardson Elementary School in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she has served for 18 years. Since 1979, Mary Kay has served as a principal in Fort Collins, Colorado, and West Lafayette, Indiana. Prior to that, she taught all grade levels from K-6. She is frequently recognized for her passion for children and education.

At Shepardson, Mary Kay has worked to empower the team which purposefully includes parents to address the diverse needs of the students. The school serves significant populations of gifted learners, English Language Learners, and special education students using an inclusive approach. Adapting instruction through a differentiated model to address the varied needs of the whole child is the core of the school’s program and philosophy---a school where every child belongs. As a result of this collaborative approach and focus on individual needs, the school has been recognized in multiple ways for its high performance and active parent involvement.

During her career, Mary Kay has served in key leadership roles at the state and national levels. She is currently on the NAESP Visions 2021 Advisory Council that is producing a vision for a preferred future of education which we can help create. Mary Kay has consistently served in the advocacy role for improving education through the political process and as the NAESP Federal Relations Coordinator. She is frequently invited to speak for state organizations and other educational and parent related institutions and groups including a seminar at Purdue University. Mary Kay has been featured in several books for award-winning principals. Among several awards, the school has been recognized for 4 years with Colorado’s highest award for excellence, a semifinalist for National 21 st Century School of Distinction Award (related to parent involvement), the Collaborative Award for Outstanding Service with Special Needs, and the Instructional Innovation Award.

Mary Kay received her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Purdue University where she received the Outstanding Dissertation Award. She also received degrees from Indiana University (M.S.) and Indiana State University (B.S.) in Elementary Education.

About Us // Products // Request a Catalog // Free Resources
Submit an Idea // Publication Downloads // Contact Us

Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute