National recognition for Oceanside Middle School principal

Dr. Allison Glickman-Rogers, principal of Oceanside Middle School, has been selected for the Association for Middle Education 2014 Distinguished Educator Award. The AMLE is a national organization and Dr. Glickman-Rogers is the sole recipient of the award, but to hear her tell it, the honor is simply the result of being at the right place at the right time.

“This award is about the teachers and the kids,” she said. “I’m absolutely honored to accept the award on behalf of the entire community. This recognition is the result of the hard work and expertise of our teachers, the vision of our administration and board of education and the support of our parents. And, most importantly, the work of our students.”

Among her initiatives as Oceanside Middle School’s principal, Glickman-Rogers instituted a block schedule in 2011 that provided flexibility and maximized instructional time while promoting integrated units of study. The revision of the schedule also allowed a core extension period during which teachers can provide academic intervention services and enrichment opportunities. She implemented a one-to-one computing model that provided iPads to all students and staff, as well as training for faculty and families on the potential of the devices to further student learning. She facilitated the Schools to Watch application process, which culminated in the school receiving the Schools to Watch national designation.

The AMLE also recognized Glickman-Rogers for placing importance on educating school staff on the unique physical, social, emotional, and developmental characteristics of middle level learners, believing that it is crucial that the school community understand their unique needs in order to better provide for their academic and emotional success.

“I truly believe that adolescents belong in a unique and special environment where all of their needs are met, and our teachers are committed to that belief,” she said.