Two Midland High administrators named finalists for statewide awards

Two administrators from Midland High School have been named finalists for statewide honors from the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

Principal Tiela Schurman has been selected as a finalist for High School Principal of the Year. At the same time, Assistant Principal Matt Wenzell is a finalist for High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

Schurman, who has 23 years of experience in education and 17 years in administration, has served as principal of Midland High School since 2021. She previously worked as both assistant principal and principal at Jefferson Middle School.

Since joining Midland Public Schools (MPS) in 2016, Schurman has led several initiatives supporting student success and staff development, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), data-informed intervention systems, and tutoring and math support programs to close learning gaps.

A 2018 Gerstacker Fellow, Schurman also serves as a district representative on multiple community initiatives. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and inclusive practices that promote academic achievement and social-emotional well-being.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Wenzell has worked in education for 24 years, including 15 years as an administrator. Since joining MPS in 2017, he has been recognized for his compassionate and forward-thinking leadership, as well as his focus on social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and mental health awareness.

At Midland High, Wenzell has developed a comprehensive school resource center, refined intervention processes, and established effective cell phone policies to improve school culture. His approach emphasizes empathy, relationships, and community-building.

He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and principalship from Saginaw Valley State University.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Tiela and Matt for these well-deserved recognitions,” Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson says. “Their exceptional dedication and leadership are driving meaningful progress for our school community by creating a supportive, inclusive school culture where all Chemics have the opportunity to succeed.”

The MASSP, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies, annually recognizes outstanding administrators at the high school and middle school levels. State-level winners advance for consideration in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ national awards program.

Winners of the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year awards will be announced later this year.

Midland Public Schools is the largest district in Midland County, serving more than 7,400 students across 12 schools. Consistently ranked among Michigan’s top districts, MPS is dedicated to fostering academic excellence in a supportive and engaging environment from pre-kindergarten through high school. More information is available online.