Clint Brannon Named 2025-2026 Alabama Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
Boaz, Ala. – December 10, 2025: Mr. Clint Brannon, assistant principal at Sardis Middle School in Etowah County Schools, has been named the 2025-2026 Alabama Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). The Assistant Principal of the Year program is sponsored by Virco Manufacturing, a long-standing supporter of school leaders across Alabama.
Mr. Brannon brings 20 years of experience in education, including seven years as an assistant principal, and is known for his steady leadership, relationship-driven approach, and commitment to continuous improvement. Before entering administration, he taught at West End High School where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2013-2014 and Etowah County Coach of the Year the year prior. He has served as assistant principal at Sardis Middle School since 2019, supporting a rural middle school campus serving grades 6-8 with an enrollment of more than 360 students.
Throughout his time at Sardis Middle School, Mr. Brannon has distinguished himself by fostering an environment where students and teachers feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. He believes strongly in building relationships with students, staff, and families, viewing accessibility and trust as central to effective leadership. His collaborative style has contributed to a positive school culture and strengthened communication among teachers, instructional leaders, and district partners.
One of Mr. Brannon’s most significant contributions has been his focus on academic improvement through data-driven instruction and meaningful professional development. He has worked closely with the Alabama State Department of Education’s Office of School Improvement to coordinate high-quality professional learning sessions tailored to teacher needs. Supporting instructional refinement through walkthroughs, coaching, and ongoing feedback, he has helped strengthen instructional practices and elevate student achievement across grade levels.
A signature initiative under Mr. Brannon’s leadership is Camp Kaizen, an immersive academic event created to prepare students for the ACAP. Drawing from the Japanese concept of “continuous improvement,” Camp Kaizen transforms the school into a camp-themed learning environment where students rotate through targeted sessions focused on test-taking strategies, practice items, and problem-solving. Teachers and regional AMSTI coaches lead each session, creating hands-on experiences that energize students and reinforce essential skills. The 2025 theme, “ACE the ACAP,” generated exceptional student and teacher engagement and contributed to the highest ACAP performance and growth in the school’s history.
“Clint Brannon is the kind of leader every school hopes for – steady, student-centered, and deeply invested in helping both teachers and students succeed,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, executive director of AASSP and CLAS. “His work at Sardis Middle School demonstrates how intentional leadership, strong relationships, and a focus on continuous improvement can transform a school community. We are honored to recognize him as Alabama’s Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year.”
As Alabama’s honoree, Mr. Brannon will represent the state in the National Assistant Principal of the Year program hosted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
For further information, please contact Alyssa Godfrey, Director of Communications and Technology at CLAS, at (800) 239-3616 or alyssa@clasleaders.org.
About Virco Manufacturing:
Virco Manufacturing is a leading supplier of furniture and equipment for K-12 schools, offering innovative and quality solutions to support educational environments. virco.com
About AASSP
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) serves as a voice and resource for public school secondary administrators. AASSP is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), which provides a framework to connect dedicated school administrators with a network for professional growth and support. For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org/AASSP.
