The Martin County School Board proudly recognized 11 educators during its Sept. 15 meeting for successfully completing the 2025-2026 Aspiring Assistant Principal Academy (AAPA).
The yearlong leadership development program prepares aspiring leaders for the role of assistant principal through specialized coursework, hands-on experience, and school-based leadership opportunities aligned with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards.
As part of the academy, participants identified needs within their schools and led a schoolwide improvement initiative from planning through implementation and evaluation. The program concluded with a formal presentation and interview before a leadership panel.
The 2025-2026 AAPA participants recognized for this achievement are:
Lana Barros, Coordinator of College and Career Readiness
Kimberly Desantis, Coordinator of Exceptional Student Services (ESE)
Kelly Francke, Program Specialist of ESE
Sarah Hogg, Program Specialist of ESE
Emily Isham, Prevention/Intervention Program Specialist of ESE
John Schwenger, Math Teacher, Martin County High School
Amanda Shadinger, ESE Gifted Teacher, Jensen Beach Elementary School
Kristin Szala, Fourth Grade Teacher, Pinewood Elementary School
Jennifer Ventriglia, Prevention/Intervention Program Specialist of ESE
Larana Wingate, Fifth Grade Teacher, Citrus Grove Elementary School
Jessica Warren, Career and Technical Education Coach
Each participant received a certificate celebrating their achievement and qualified for the District’s Aspiring Assistant Principal Pool. Congratulations to these aspiring leaders on this accomplishment and their continued commitment to leadership in the Martin County School District!