School News

MADISON, WI — The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Elizabeth Streubel as its 2026 Wisconsin Elementary Associate Principal of the Year. Streubel serves as assistant principal of Wilson Elementary in the Mequon-Thiensville School District.

She is known for her compassionate leadership, student-centered decision-making, and dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and joyful school community. Over the past three years as an assistant principal, she has led initiatives that strengthened student well-being, improved attendance, and enhanced staff morale through intentional relationship-building and restorative leadership.

“Elizabeth Streubel is a shining example of the heart and skill that define Wisconsin’s elementary school leaders,” said AWSA Executive Director Jim Lynch. “Her work at Wilson Elementary demonstrates how empathy, data-driven collaboration, and creativity can transform school culture. She leads with integrity, optimism, and a deep belief in every child’s potential.”

At Wilson Elementary, Streubel has cultivated a culture rooted in connection and care—greeting students each morning with high-fives, hugs, and encouragement to start the day with joy and belonging. Her innovative Bus of the Month program celebrates bus drivers and students who model respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn, resulting in significant reductions in bus-related behavioral incidents.

A former special education teacher, Streubel brings deep expertise in behavior intervention and inclusive practices. She has collaborated with staff to implement individualized supports, create restorative behavior plans, and strengthen family partnerships, helping reduce chronic absenteeism to just 3 percent—the school’s lowest rate in four years.

“Ms. Streubel is an indispensable part of the Wilson community,” said Principal Dr. Jocelyn Sulsberger. “She actively strives to cultivate an environment where all individuals feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. Liz's dedication to nurturing young learners and supporting educators has had a positive impact on our school, and we are fortunate to call her a Wilson Wildcat.”

Streubel holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is seeking an Ed.D. from Concordia University.

“Liz Streubel exemplifies what it means to lead with heart,” said MTSD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Joynt. “Her compassion, commitment to students, and unwavering support for staff and families make Wilson Elementary School a place where every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow.”

The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes assistant and associate principals whose leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across Wisconsin.

Selection criteria include a commitment to personal excellence, collaborative leadership, personalization, curriculum, instruction and assessment, and serving as an established and respected community member. A committee representing teachers, superintendents, board members, parents, and the Department of Public Instruction reviews the applications and selects an AP of the year at the middle school and high school levels.

Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation. Streubel will be formally recognized at the Wisconsin Associate Principal Convention in January. She will also receive $1,000 for use on a project of her choice at Wilson Elementary School.