Spotlight on Johnston County Assistant Principal of the Year

The College of Education takes pride in shaping students into champions of education in North Carolina. Maritza Rosado is a perfect example of an alumna who works tirelessly to improve public education in our state. Rosado, who received her Master of School Administration in 2014, was named Johnston County Schools’ Assistant Principal of the Year. 

We caught up with Rosado, assistant principal of Selma Middle School, to discuss her experiences in the College of Education, her recent award and her career as a school administrator.

What does winning this award mean to you?
This award is very meaningful to me because I hope it could inspire others, especially our students. This award represents how passion, perseverance and hard work do not go unnoticed.

What do you think is the key to being a great assistant principal? 

I believe that building relationships with students, parents and teachers is key. Always strive to lead by example, be a good listener, empower others and always ask yourself and others, “is this what is best for students?”

How did the education you received from NC State prepare you for your career?
My education prepared me well to begin my career as a school administrator. The program is structured in a way that provides field work opportunities that allowed me to acquire experience while completing my degree. The guidance provided by the internship advisor was also a critical in helping me be successful as an administrative intern. Being part of our district’s cohort provided me with educational experiences that focused on the needs of my school district.

What was it like being a distance education student? Would you recommend distance education classes to other students?  

Participating in the distance education program (DE) was convenient in terms of location. The best aspect of the program, though, is the availability of the NC State faculty. They were available to provide feedback and support while holding high expectations and standards of performance. The professors understood that DE students hold full-time positions and have families that count on them. Another beneficial component of the program were the monthly seminars, as they were relevant to the latest educational issues and provided us with on-campus experiences. I highly recommend this program to educators who wish to participate in a rigorous and relevant program.

What advice do you have for students considering an advanced degree in school administration?
I would highly recommend this degree and this career path. It is an extremely rewarding profession that allows you to support and make a difference in the lives of teachers, all school staff and the school community, but most importantly students.

Learn more about the College of Education’s Master of School Administration distance education program.