Tara Becker-Utess Named MI 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year

“As a member of the second cohort of Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellows, Tara demonstrates what strong Assistant Principals can do for school communities across our state, ” said Wendy Zdeb, MASSP Executive Director. “She works tirelessly in collaboration with staff members to ensure each student can achieve inside the classroom and beyond.”

To be eligible for the award, nominees must demonstrate a sense of collaborative leadership; involvement in curriculum, instruction and assessment; as well as a personal positive involvement with district staff, students and families.

With four years of experience as an administrator in Mason, Becker-Utess is described as inspiring, encouraging and a servant leader.

“In my 27 years in education, I have never seen an assistant principal that is of the same caliber as Tara,” Mason High School Principal Myriah Lillie said. “Not only is she incredibly intelligent and extremely hard-working, she has a unique way of building solid relationships built on care and concern for both our staff and students.”

Employing the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System (EWIMS), Becker-Utess’s team created mentors for struggling students, academic growth days, family conferences, check in/out with a trusted adult each day, restorative practices for discipline issues and much more.

“Her ability to analyze data with precision and apply it meaningfully allows her to make informed decisions that directly impact student achievement,” Student Support Specialist Sarah Gardner said.

Lillie said the school has already seen a steady increase in students passing classes and attending school each year from these supports.

“While this system is still in its infant stage, it is helping students succeed,” Mason Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gary Kinzer said. “This would not have happened without Tara’s persistence.”

Mason Public Schools Instructional Coach and Teacher Kristin Higgins, said Becker-Utess consistently visits classrooms to engage with students and observe staff, often leaving notes of encouragement.

“Through these daily positive interactions, she cultivates trust and respect that strengthen our school community. Students know they are cared for, staff feel supported and families see the investment being made in every child,” Higgins said.

“She models what it means to be a servant leader – leading with integrity, investing in people, and placing students at the center of every decision.”

Described as “The heart of Mason High School” by Krista Sherman, Ph.D., Special Education Teacher, Becker-Utess embodies the best of what it means to serve as an assistant principal – balancing compassion with accountability and vision with action.

“She sets the tone for the entire school community,” Sherman said. “Her optimism, work ethic and vision for excellence have created a ripple effect that strengthens school spirit, empowers students and unites staff."

Becker-Utess will represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals High School Assistant Principal of the Year competition, which will be awarded at the National Education Leadership Awards, in April 2026, in Washington, D.C.

“Tara’s focus on students and ensuring every one of them receives the support needed to succeed makes her an outstanding example for administrators,” Zdeb said. “It is an honor to have Tara representing Michigan as the 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year.”