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Overseas Schools Principals Receive
National Distinguished Principals Award
by Barbara A. Dubke, US Department of State
Two outstanding principals from the U. S. Department of State
assisted schools have been chosen to receive the National Distinguished
Principals (NDP) Award for 2009. This year the award winners sponsored
by the Office of Overseas Schools, are Ms. Patricia Salleh Matta,
principal at The International School of Kenya (ISK), Nairobi, Kenya,
and Ms. Leanne Dunlap, principal at the American School of Warsaw
(ASW), Warsaw, Poland.
Patricia Sallah Matta has a rich background with international
schools in Africa. Her reputation as a principal indicates she is focused
on students and their learning; someone who works hard; is culturally
aware; and is a confident leader who works well with others. Ms. Salleh
Matta’s leadership, commitment to excellence, and personal caring has
created a wonderfully nurturing learning environment for ISK’s elementary
students, faculty, and parents. The school is characterized by the
utmost respect for diversity, an all-encompassing approach to building
the self esteem of each individual student, and a real enthusiasm for the
process of learning. These characteristics mirror the personal character
of Patricia. Her outstanding interpersonal skills enable her to motivate
teachers and students alike. Before becoming the elementary school
principal at the International School of Kenya in 2006, Patricia was a
principal at the International School of Uganda. Her classroom experience
as a chemistry teacher includes the Banjul American Embassy
School in The Gambia, Gambia High School in The Gambia, St. Augustine’s
Secondary School in The Gambia and St. Patrick’s Primary School
in Cork, Ireland. She received her B.S. and H.D.E. (Higher Diploma in
Education) degrees from University College in Cork, Ireland. In 1996
she received her Certificate in International School Leadership from the
Principals Training Center in Cummaquid, Massachusetts.
Under Leanne Dunlap’s leadership, ASW has emerged as a
leader in significant areas, especially the effective use of technology. A
few years ago, her team piloted the one-to-one laptop initiative that will
extend through twelfth grade next year. This has meant a significant
shift in teaching and a commensurate amount of teacher training. Ms.
Dunlap guided the transition from paper and pencil to laptops effectively.
There has been an increase in the differentiation of instruction
in the middle school and an increased engagement of students in their
academic pursuits subsequent to the emphasis on technology. The Living
History unit in 8th history has brought notoriety to ASW. Holocaust
survivors still living in Warsaw are interviewed by students about
their experiences in a moving face-to-face interview setting. This year,
Ms. Dunlap has worked tirelessly to help the new high school principal.
With a new director as well, a good amount of the continuity of program
has fallen on her shoulders and she has proven to be key at the American
School of Warsaw. Before becoming the principal at ASW and Kirkland,
WA she was a teacher at the American School in Japan, Tokyo; the
American School of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Truman Middle School
in Tacoma, WA. She received a B.A. from the University of Washington
and M.S. from Central Washington University. At Michigan State
University she earned an Education Specialist Degree. Ms. Dunlap also
holds National Board Certification.
ment of Defense Schools and American overseas schools assisted by the
U.S. Department of State.
Ms. Salleh Matta and Ms. Dunlap, along with the other honorees,
received their awards on October 23, 2009, during a formal banquet
and award ceremony at the Capitol Hilton Hotel in Washington,
D.C. During this banquet a representative from the U.S. Department
of Education presented each honoree with a certificate and an engraved
bell. The festivities also included a reception on October 22, 2009, in the
State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Room which was hosted by
the Department of State’s Assistant Secretary for Administration, Mr.
Steven Rodriquez.
Patricia Sallah Matta
Leanne Dunlap
The National Association of Elementary School Principals
(NAESP) and the U.S. Department of Education have once again sponsored
the National Distinguished Principals (NDP) Award. This award
recognizes outstanding educators who ensure that children acquire a
sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Each year this
program honors outstanding elementary and middle school principals
from each of the states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Depart-
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