Abilene ISD -

Nicole Churchill’s motivation for what she does is simple: it’s an opportunity to repay the school district that gave her the educational background and tools necessary to become a teacher.

Now in her 22nd year in Abilene ISD and 12th year as the assistant principal at Long Early Learning Center, Churchill dedicates herself daily to a campus where students are just embarking on their educational journey. Her love for her work is fueled by the students, and her commitment to their success is unwavering.

“I’m motivated to give back to the same community (and school district) that shaped my early educational years,” she said. “I was blessed with many excellent teachers as a Taylor Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Abilene High School student. I also love a good dress-up day, playful events, and my school family.”

Churchill's journey in Abilene ISD began in the fall of 2003 at Dyess Elementary School. She spent three years there before moving to College Heights Elementary School, where she taught kindergarten for six years. Her next stop was Bonham Elementary, where she taught fifth grade for a year. Finally, she found her home at Long Early Learning Center, where she has been working with three and four-year-olds for the past 12 years. 

“This age group is curious and eager to make sense of things around them,” Churchill said. “They find joy in the littlest of things and accomplishments. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at Long is that small victories are worth celebrating."

Just as she encourages students to find joy in their own victories, Churchill now has a milestone of her own to celebrate. She was recently named the 2025 Region 14 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). The peer-based award recognizes assistant principals from the 20 TEPSA Regions across the state who demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering a culture of excellence for students and teachers on their PK-8 campuses.

“Nicole has played a pivotal role in creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment in their school community,” TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart said. “We are proud to recognize Nicole’s leadership and dedication to ensuring students are engaged and succeed throughout their education.”

One TEPSA Region AP of the Year will be selected as the 2025 NAESP National Assistant Principal of the Year for Texas. Supported by Horace Mann, the national award recognizes leaders who are committed to excellence through programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students, have firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations, show strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students; and exhibit exceptional leadership in a particular school program.

Honorees will be recognized at the TEPSA Legacy Luncheon on Wednesday, June 11, at the Round Rock Kalahari.

“To be acknowledged for doing the work I love in a district that I call home is a humbling honor,” Churchill said. “Education is challenging and cannot be done by one person alone. I’m thankful for the teachers, staff, and community who make a daily difference in students’ lives.”

TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA has more than 5,900 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PreK-8 school children. Learn more at www.tepsa.org.