By Lindsay Doty
Avon High School Principal Matt Shockley has been named the 2020 Indiana High School Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals. It’s the second time the educator has landed the title. He was also named Indiana Principal of the Year in 2009 while serving as principal at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, IN.
“I was completely surprised and humbled. I have been blessed to work with colleagues (administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff) who are talented and caring people and educators. Receiving this honor is really the result of the work we do TOGETHER at Avon High School,” said Shockley.
A line of teachers and staff clapped as the principal walked down the hallway at Avon High School on Monday following the announcement about his award over the loudspeaker.
“The past year has truly made me appreciate the team we have at Avon High School. Empowering others has been critical. I have had to rely on and trust my staff more than ever to navigate the challenges of the past year, and I am grateful for how they have supported me and each other while working so hard to serve our students and their families,” he said.
Shockley was elected as the District 8 High School Principal of the Year by his peers and then selected as the state winner over the 11 other district principal winners.
“Mr. Shockley is an incredible and energetic leader who always keeps students at the center of every decision,” said Avon Community School Corporation Superintendent Scott Wyndham.
“He has built a culture of teamwork among staff at AHS and is visible at countless AHS student activities each week. The fact that Mr. Shockley is the only principal to have received this state-level award twice and that he has represented two different high schools is a testament to his impact as an educator.”
Shockley began his career teaching special education and social studies at Tipton High School (Tipton, IN).
He later served as principal at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, IN where he worked for nine years before taking on the principal role at Avon High School in 2013.
During a tough year of e-learning and pandemic challenges, Shockley has shown dedication and commitment to his students and coworkers.
“Nowhere has the impact of this year been more significant than at Avon High School as we have navigated multiple instructional models including fully in-person, e-learning, and hybrid. As we make decisions and changes, Matt always prioritizes collaboration with the AHS team and department chairs to make sure that our teachers’ voice is well represented,” said Wyndham.
“These are such complicated decisions and Matt’s collaborative approach to problem-solving throughout the school year has ensured that we have significant input from across AHS into each adjustment we have made.”
Avon High School is currently in e-learning until Dec. 3.
