WMU alumna named Michigan’s 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University alumna Tara Becker-Utess, B.S.’05 (secondary education), has been named Michigan’s 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and The Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies.
Becker-Utess, assistant principal at Mason High School, was surprised with the honor during a recent staff meeting that included representatives from MASSP and Mason Public Schools. The award recognizes exceptional assistant principals who demonstrate collaborative leadership, commitment to instructional excellence, and meaningful engagement with staff, students, and families.
“With four years of administrative experience in Mason, Tara exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader,” said Myria Lillie, Mason High School principal. “Her intelligence, work ethic, and care for both staff and students have transformed our school culture.”
Becker-Utess, assistant principal at Mason High School, was surprised with the honor during a recent staff meeting that included representatives from MASSP and Mason Public Schools. The award recognizes exceptional assistant principals who demonstrate collaborative leadership; commitment to instructional excellence; and meaningful engagement with staff, students and families.
“With four years of administrative experience in Mason, Tara exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader,” said Myriah Lillie, Mason High School principal. “Her intelligence, work ethic, and care for both staff and students have transformed our school culture.”
Becker-Utess has played a key role in implementing the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System, a data-informed framework designed to identify and support students at risk of academic challenges. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, academic growth days, restorative practices and increased family engagement, Mason High School has seen measurable gains in both student attendance and academic performance.
Colleagues describe Becker-Utess as a compassionate, visionary and collaborative leader who models the best of educational leadership. “Students know they are cared for, staff feel supported, and families see the investment being made in every child,” said Kristin Higgins, instructional coach and teacher.
Becker-Utess will now represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ High School Assistant Principal of the Year award, to be presented at the National Education Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C., in April 2026.
“We are incredibly proud to see Tara recognized for her extraordinary leadership and dedication to student success,” said Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of WMU’s College of Education and Human Development. “Her work exemplifies the excellence, compassion and commitment to service that define our CEHD alumni.”
About secondary education at WMU
Western Michigan University’s secondary education program offers a unique opportunity to earn both a teaching certification for grades seven to 12 and a master’s degree in an 18-month, in-person cohort program. The curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive, justice-informed instruction and includes a yearlong internship with personalized support from mentor teachers and faculty. To learn more, visit the secondary education webpage.
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