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McCarver Elementary School’s Principal Dan Tharp is one step closer to becoming the state distinguished elementary school principal: the Tacoma region of the Elementary School Principals Association of Washington (ESPAW) recently selected Tharp as its 2009 Distinguished Principal.
Tharp might follow in the footsteps of Paula Bond, principal of Bryant Montessori School, who was selected as both the Tacoma region’s and state’s 2008 Distinguished Principal.
Kelly Evans, principal of Sheridan Elementary School and regional director of ESPAW, said the regional organization solicits nominations from all elementary principals in the fall. A group of former distinguished principals reviews the nominations and makes a selection.
To be selected as a Distinguished Principal, the principal must have served at least five years as a principal and at least two years in the district. The candidate is chosen for his or her educational leadership, community relations, raising student achievement, and demonstrating exemplary skills as a principal.
The name of the regional Distinguished Principal is forwarded to the state ESPAW. Candidates must complete paperwork that includes four letters of recommendation. Candidates are reviewed anonymously at the state level until the three finalists are selected by the ESPAW board. Board representatives then visit each finalist’s worksite before making a final determination for the state Distinguished Principal. Each state’s Distinguished Principal becomes one of 50 National Distinguished Principals who are honored in Washington, D.C.