JAMES CITY COUNTY— The Principal Awards Committee of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) has named Williamsburg/James City School Division’s High School Assistant Principal Dr. Shantell Cook the 2026 Outstanding High School Assistant Principal of Virginia.
According to a VASSP press release, the annual award honors a Virginia assistant principal who demonstrates “exemplary leadership, elevates student success, and strengthens school culture.”
Among the highlights of her tenure, Cook oversaw the redesign of Jamestown’s traditional in-school suspension program into a restorative model known as the “New ISS,” which emphasizes accountability, academic support, and restorative conversations. The new model is intended to help students understand the impact of their actions, repair harm, and return to class prepared for success. Disciplinary incidents declined from 637 to 154 after implementation of the New ISS, according to the press release.
“Dr. Cook exemplifies what it takes to be an assistant principal in today’s world through her innovative actions as a leader, dedication to student advancement, and willingness to do what it takes to support staff and families,” said VASSP CEO Dr. Randy Barrack.
Cook also influenced Jamestown’s “Flight Time” block, which is built into the academic schedule to allow for remediation, enrichment and individualized support.
Cook is a first-generation high school and college graduate who leveraged her background as a biology teacher and instructional coach to create and personally deliver a Biology SOL remediation program that promotes targeted intervention, confidence-building, and flexible scheduling.
“Dr. Shantell Cook is an innovative and inclusive leader who puts students first in every decision she makes,” Williamsburg/James City School Superintendent Dr. Daniel Keever said. “Her unwavering commitment to implementing restorative practices and ensuring every student feels supported and successful has made a profound impact on our school community.
VASSP noted Cook conducts wellness walkthroughs, coaches instruction, advocates for student success, checks in on staff regarding their well-being, and collaborates to empower educators and students to lead.
The VASSP was founded in 1906 and operates with the mission to support school principals and assistant principals in providing leadership to their schools and communities for the purpose of improving the education of Virginia’s youth.
