Huntley High School principal recognized as one of three ‘Digital Principals of the Year’

Huntley High School Principal Marcus Belin recently was named one of three “Digital Principals of the Year” by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

In its announcement of the award, the association pointed to Belin’s leadership in steering continued innovation at Huntley High School, advancing equity, and using technology to engage students in conversation around social-emotional topics and school culture.

Each year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals recognizes three principals in schools that cover any subset of grades 6 through 12, according to a news release.

Winners receive a trip to the association’s annual national conference and have an an opportunity to speak at the National Principals Conference, according to the release. Winners also will be featured on the cover of Principal Leadership magazine.

“Huntley High School’s blended learning program, ranked No. 1 in the country by Study.com, enables students to choose the time and place for their own learning,” the National Association of Secondary School Principals said in the announcement. “A member of Digital Promise’s League of Innovative Schools, Huntley’s use of technology to advance equity and excellence has resulted in a competency-based education pilot program that blends in-person and online learning.”

Belin has overseen three years of this program, which allows students to master competencies in four core subject areas in a non-traditional format.

“Just as important, Belin has found ways to connect with students and engage them in social-emotional learning through online lessons covering anxiety, mental health, and sexual abuse,” according to the announcement. “The school also turned to ThoughtExchange as a platform where students could engage in meaningful discussions and staff members could gather feedback from families on a variety of topics, including school culture.”