Emerald Hill Elementary School Principal Tori Gelbert has been selected for the Virginia Department of Education’s Statewide Principals of Distinction Program. The announcement was made during the May 22 meeting of the Virginia Board of Education.
The Principals of Distinction Program, offered in partnership with the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals, recognizes outstanding school leaders from across the Commonwealth. It honors principals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in student achievement, instructional practices, and school culture, while also supporting their continued professional growth.
Participants are chosen by the Virginia Principals of Distinction Selection Committee and will attend a state-wide symposium, followed by the completion of a capstone project over a six-month period. To be eligible, principals must hold a Level II endorsement in Administration and Supervision PreK–12, have at least five years of experience as a building-level administrator, and have completed a formal induction program as a principal or assistant principal.
Through this program, Gelbert will join a cohort of Virginia’s most accomplished principals in advancing leadership skills and sharing best practices to benefit students, staff, and communities across the state.