Cardinal Elementary Principal Heather Buckley receives national recognition - Southeast Iowa Union

ELDON — Cardinal Elementary Principal Heather Buckley is being honored not just at the state level but now at the national level, too.

Buckley was named Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year in April, and just recently received recognition as one of the top principals in the country.

Buckley was among 41 people from across the country and abroad who were named 2022 National Distinguished Principals by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). The principals were honored during a two-day event in Washington, D.C. that culminated in an awards banquet to honor their accomplishments.

“Being in Washington, D.C. and meeting the dedicated and talented principals from around the country was such a humbling experience,” Buckley said. “I felt so honored to represent the state of Iowa at the NAESP event, and enjoyed being able to share the vital work our Cardinal staff is doing to provide our students with a positive learning culture.”

NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks stated in a news release that principals are not just leaders in schools, but also trusted leaders in their communities, especially during difficult times.

“Schools across the country haven’t gone unscathed from challenges created and exacerbated by a global pandemic,” Franks said. “Despite these challenges, principals have doubled down on their commitment to educational excellence and health and well-being for their students and staff. On behalf of NAESP, I extend a heartfelt congratulations and thank you to the 2022 class of NAESP National Distinguished Principals, who have shown that their dedicated leadership and passion for students and their communities will outshine any challenges that are thrown their way.”

Buckley has been a principal at Cardinal for more than eight years, and before that was shared curriculum director for Cardinal and Pekin Community School Districts. She was raised in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield High School. Buckley attended the University of Iowa, where she obtained a degree in elementary education, followed by her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of St. Mary’s.

Heather Buckley — Cardinal Elementary Principal

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com

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Cardinal Elementary Principal Heather Buckley receives national recognition - Southeast Iowa Union
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