Sapulpa, Okla. (Dec. 9, 2025, submitted by CCOSA) – Mrs. Amy Sanders, Assistant Principal at Sapulpa Middle School, has been named the 2025-2026 Oklahoma Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA).
For the past three years, as assistant principal at Sapulpa Middle School, Mrs. Sanders has played a pivotal role in creating an environment where every student is known, valued, and supported. Recognizing the importance of connecting students with a caring adult, she developed PASS (Prepare and See Success), a program designed for students experiencing long-term or recurring in-school suspensions. Grounded in Sean Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, PASS engages students in goal-setting, accountability practices, time-management strategies, and guided reflection. Through monthly face-to-face meetings with Mrs. Sanders, the school’s most vulnerable learners build meaningful connections and receive targeted support focused on their academic and personal growth.
"We're thrilled that Mrs. Amy Sanders has been selected as the Oklahoma Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year," stated Rob Armstrong, Superintendent of Sapulpa Public Schools. "This recognition reflects her exceptional leadership and commitment to students and her ability to create a school environment where teachers and students can thrive. Her dedication to strengthening school culture, supporting staff, and improving student outcomes makes her truly deserving of this honor. We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement and thank her for the impact she makes!"
Sapulpa Middle School and Chris LeGrand, OMLEA Executive Director, surprised Mrs. Sanders with the award during a special assembly in front of the student body. Her husband, Brent, a Tulsa police officer, also attended as part of the surprise announcement.
Since joining Sapulpa Middle School in 2022, Mrs. Sanders has focused on fostering a school culture where every student feels heard and respected. Initial survey data revealed that many students felt excluded from decision-making, believed teachers didn’t know them personally, and saw little opportunity for involvement beyond attending classes. Understanding the role of student voice in promoting engagement and empowerment, Mrs. Sanders launched a collaborative effort to create meaningful avenues for feedback. The impact has been transformative. Students now serve on key committees that influence schoolwide initiatives, and teachers have introduced project-based learning and enrichment opportunities that help students apply academic concepts to real-world problem-solving.
"Since joining SMS four years ago, Amy Sanders has been an instrumental force in transforming our school culture," noted Peter Carter, Principal of Sapulpa Middle School. "Her dedication to improving student behavior and building a consistent, positive common language has made a lasting impact on our entire school community. Amy leads with heart, compassion, and unwavering commitment. This recognition as Assistant Principal of the Year is truly a well-deserved honor."
Dr. Pam Deering, CCOSA Executive Director, said, "On behalf of CCOSA and OMLEA, I am honored to congratulate Amy Sanders on being selected as the 2026 OMLEA Assistant Principal of the Year. Amy exemplifies the very best of Oklahoma’s middle-level leadership—she is student-centered, deeply collaborative, and relentlessly committed to creating a safe, challenging, and supportive learning environment for every child. Her ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, and families, while also leading meaningful instructional improvement on her campus, reflects the kind of servant leadership our schools need most."
“It is my honor to recognize Amy Sanders as the 2026 OMLEA Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year," added OMLEA Executive Director Chris LeGrande. "Amy embodies the very best of middle-level leadership—she consistently sees, hears, and advocates for the students who are most vulnerable, and she does it with a compassion and steadiness that changes lives. Much of her most impactful work happens quietly, behind the scenes, as she coordinates supports, removes barriers, and builds relationships that help students navigate the critical and often challenging adolescent years. Amy’s dedication reminds us that true leadership is not about the spotlight, but about serving others, and our students, staff, and communities are better because of her tireless commitment.”
In addition to being honored at the CCOSA Summer Leadership Conference in May, Mrs. Sanders will join fellow state nominees in Washington, D.C., in April 2026, when the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) announces the National Middle Level and High School Assistant Principals of the Year during its annual National Education Leadership Awards celebration. This is only the second time since 2014 that NASSP has expanded its recognition program to honor both middle-level and high school assistant principals.
For more information about the Assistant Principal of the Year award or to learn more about CCOSA and OASSP, visit www.ccosa.org.
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ABOUT OMLEA
The Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA) works to improve the educational experiences of young adolescents by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to all who serve them in order to develop healthy, productive, and ethical citizens. OMLEA is an affiliate of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) and a constituent association of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).
ABOUT OASSP
The Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP) supports secondary-level principals by providing quality professional development, encouraging advocacy, and networking to improve middle and high school education in Oklahoma. OASSP is an affiliate of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and a constituent association of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).
ABOUT CCOSA
The Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration is an incorporated, not-for-profit organization that establishes close and continuous communication and cooperation between educators, taxpayers, and legislators to improve the effectiveness of professional school administrators and to communicate the needs of the schools. The Council is the umbrella organization for the following professional associations: the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA), the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP), the Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP), the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA), and the Oklahoma Directors of Special Services (ODSS).
