Lorain High Assistant Principal Honored as OASSA Zone 5 Assistant Principal of the Year

Lorain High School’s Tamara Jones has been named the OASSA Zone 5 High School Assistant Principal of the Year, a recognition that puts her in the running for the statewide title of Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year. The state-level winners will be announced at the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) fall conference in October.

Jones, who serves as the 9th-grade assistant principal, learned of the honor on May 29—but in typical fashion, she hesitated to share the spotlight.

“I just love to do my job,” Jones said. “I don’t do it for recognition. I do it because I love the students and believe in this work.”

Jones began her career in Lorain City Schools in 2009, after serving as a building substitute for several years. Nearly two decades later, she continues to serve with pride and purpose. She was appointed Dean of Scholar and Family Engagement in 2018, officially launching her administrative path. After a brief return to the classroom in 2021, she rejoined the administrative team in 2022.

Jones said what fuels her passion every day is watching students grow and overcome the challenges that come with starting high school.

“I love seeing their growth from the beginning of the school year to the end,” she said. “I also love working with a team of very supportive colleagues. They allow me to be myself, share my frustration, and help me work on positive solutions to support our students. We know that the first year of high school is full of challenges, as students are thrust into an environment where a great deal is expected of them. Being part of the team that helps them learn to thrive is really a joy.”

Inside her office hangs a quote that has become something of a mantra: Be a voice, not an echo.

“It starts conversations,” Jones said. “Students want to know what it means. For me, it means that I speak up when I need to. When I do speak, I speak with facts and an overall positive message. I speak with compassion and empathy for others. I don’t just talk the talk. If I say something, it will be meaningful and have action.”

Outside the school building, Jones is just as active in her community. She currently serves as second vice president of the National Council of Negro Women Lorain County Chapter, is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lorain County Alumnae Chapter, and is part of the Lorain International Association, where she helps organize the annual Lorain International Festival.

Jones said she is honored by the recognition from OASSA—but true to form, she remains focused on what matters most: her students.

“Being part of their journey—being able to help them find their voice—is what it’s really all about.”

Zone 5 includes  Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Hardin, Huron, Lorain, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wyandot counties.