IAOTP names Mary Murphy Natoli top school principal

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Mary Murphy Natoli at its annual gala in New York City for leadership in education and student success. The recognition spotlights her nearly four decades in schools and her plans to stay active in the field after retirement.

Why it matters: - The award recognizes longtime school leadership at a time when districts are focused on student achievement, staff support and community engagement. - IAOTP says the honor is reserved for a small number of members in each discipline, adding visibility to Natoli’s career and future opportunities in education.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Mary Murphy Natoli, Ed.D., as its Top School Principal of the Year. - IAOTP will honor Natoli at its Annual Awards Gala in December at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Natoli is a retired principal and educational leader with nearly 40 years of experience in education. - Natoli most recently served as principal of the Elmont Union Free School District from 2012 until retirement.

The details: - Natoli led a team of more than 100 faculty and staff members at Elmont Union Free School District. - Her work there included implementing educational strategies aimed at improving student achievement and strengthening community partnerships. - Natoli also worked as an assistant principal with the New York City Department of Education. - Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in History from Fordham University, a Master of Science in Administration and Supervision from Touro University, a Master of Science in Reading Education from Brooklyn College and a Doctor of Education in School Leadership from St. John’s University. - IAOTP said honorees are chosen for professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership, longevity in the field, affiliations and community contributions. - Natoli has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in the Country by Influential Women in USA and has been featured in Marquis Who’s Who. - IAOTP said Natoli will be considered for the Empowered Woman of the Year Award and for a feature in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine. - Natoli’s LinkedIn page is available here.

Between the lines: - The recognition reflects a broader emphasis on school leaders who combine administration, curriculum work and community outreach. - Natoli’s post-retirement interest in instructional coaching suggests she may remain involved in educator development even after leaving a principal role. - IAOTP’s statement from President Stephanie Cirami frames the award as both a career honor and a public endorsement of Natoli’s impact.

What’s next: - Natoli will be honored at IAOTP’s annual gala in December in New York City. - IAOTP will also consider her for the Empowered Woman of the Year Award and possible magazine coverage. - Natoli is exploring opportunities to return to education in an instructional coaching capacity.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is using the award to spotlight a veteran principal whose career spans leadership, mentoring and school improvement.