NFMAA’s Cooke named Assistant Principal of the Year
Jill Cooke, assistant principal of curriculum at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts, has been named the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year.
“Mrs. Cooke is passionate about students being academically successful,” North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts Principal Andy Miller said in a prepared statement. “She knows the importance of positive recognition. She is creative and has a talent for creating fun and exciting ways to celebrate students and staff.”
The recognition last month was a surprise.
“There was an initial application process, but I really didn’t apply with the anticipation of winning,” Cooke said. “This honor really does mean a lot to me. I have been in the district for 24 years as a teacher, teacher leaders, district curriculum specialist and administrator. I am also a proud product of Lee County schools. I have always believed in the importance of giving back. Becoming an administrator is just one way that I can help give back to a community that has given so much to me. I enjoy helping to develop both teachers and students as they reach their full potential.”
Nominations for the Assistant Principal of the Year are made by school administrators, employees, students, and members of the community.
A committee of stakeholders reviewed the writing task submitted by assistant principals to select the recipient of the award.
Cooke began in the district in 1998. This is her second year at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.
“The Academy was an amazing place before I got here, but I really feel like we have gone through a culture shift since coming on board. We really try to celebrate the staff and kids to keep up the motivation and moral. I also have really concentrated on the middle school pass rate for classes. Middle school is the training ground for high school. My job is to stress the importance of academic success while still focusing on the development of good citizens,” she said.
Cooke said she has remained in the profession for so long because she loves kids.
“I always think about ‘The Lorax’ quote ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’ I not me, then who? It is not an easy job, but it is one of the most important professions on earth. We need more qualified teachers to join us in the mission, and it is my hope that I can light a spark in this generation to take on the call as well as motivating those that are here to stay,” she said.
Cooke will continue on to the Florida Department of Education’s Assistant Principal of the Year competition.
She encourages others to get involved in education.
“I would just encourage anyone with extra time and heart to volunteer. Your schools need your talents and expertise. If you are retired and need something to keep you busy, there are 100 schools in Lee County that will welcome you with open arms. If you have a bachelor’s degree and are looking for a career, consider teaching,” she said.