Salvatore of NSES named National Outstanding Assistant Principal

NORTH SMITHFIELD – The assistant principal at North Smithfield Elementary School was one of just 27 nationally in the role to be recognized as top in their field this week by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Rachel Salvatore – who was named Rhode Island’s Assistant Principal of the Year for 2022 – was the only assistant principal from the state named to NAESP’s 2023 class of National Outstanding Assistant Principals.

A Johnston resident with a master’s degree in education from Rhode Island College, Salvatore began her career in education as a teacher in Providence. She joined the NSES staff in 2017, serving as assistant principal in residency for one year before becoming assistant principal, a position she has held for the past five years.

“Assistant principals are uniquely positioned to effect meaningful change in schools, making them a critical piece of a successful school community,” said NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks in naming this year’s class. “Working closely with principals, these school leaders support faculty and staff—who need it more now than ever amid a national mental health crisis—and build a compassionate school climate that prioritizes student academic and social-emotional success. Their passion for their school communities shines through in everything they do as leaders. Congratulations to this year’s class of assistant principals, whose achievements and impact have earned them the honor of 2023 National Outstanding Assistant Principal.”

This year, NAESP recognized 18 elementary school assistant principals and nine middle-level assistant principals from across the country. Nominated by peers in their states, recipients of the award must be practicing assistant principals with at least two years’ experience in the role, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and have set high standards for students, colleagues, parents and the community.

Recipients shared the best practices that have helped them improve processes at their schools and thrive in their role as assistant principals.

“Helping to shape the school culture at North Smithfield Elementary School, in order to foster well-being and safety for both students and adults, has been a top priority of mine since arriving in North I believe that positive, productive learning environments are the key to students’ academic, emotional, and social success in school,” noted Salvatore. “I model positivity daily, greeting students and staff alike each and every day and being extremely visible.

Salvatore serves as an active member of NSES’ School Improvement Team and Crisis Team, and co-chairs the District Health and Wellness Committee.

“I expect both my students and staff to achieve at high levels and be successful in the classroom, and I do all I can to support them in the learning process,” she noted.

This recognition comes as part of the National Assistant Principals Week, which runs from April 3-7.