Mr. Dwayne Jefferson named 2024 DoDEA Pacific Principal of the Year

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Pacific region is pleased to announce Mr. Dwayne Jefferson, principal of the Sullivans School in Yokosuka, Japan, as the 2024 DoDEA Pacific Principal of the Year.

“Mr. Jefferson’s commitment to student success is unwavering,” said Ms. Lois Rapp, DoDEA Pacific Region Director for Student Excellence. “As the educational leader of our largest school in the Pacific, he cultivates a school environment where students and staff feel safe, supported, and engaged.”

Mr. Jefferson works in partnership with parents and staff to ensure students receive the resources and support they need to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. He believes in encouraging teacher leaders, promoting opportunities for professional learning and growth through Instructional Rounds and Focused Collaboration.

“I am so appreciative of this honor,” Mr. Jefferson said. “I didn’t expect it. I do what I do because of the love I have for my students and staff. Thank you all for your support.”

Mr. Jefferson has served as principal at the Sullivans School since 2023. He joined DoDEA in 2014 as a Math Support Specialist at Yokota West Elementary School and was promoted to assistant principal at John O. Arnn Elementary School the following year. Two years later, he was named principal of Iwakuni Elementary School (now Iwakuni Intermediate School). In 2020, he became principal of Iwakuni Middle School. 

Mr. Jefferson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Longwood University; a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University; and a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Virginia State University.

The DoDEA Principal of the Year Program recognizes one outstanding school principal in each region. These individuals have succeeded in leading high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession. The process begins at the local level, where principals are nominated by peers, employees, parents, students or community members.

One of the Regional awardees will be selected as the DoDEA Principal of the Year, and proceed through a national association nomination process, representing DoDEA at the national level. During the year, the chosen Principal of the Year will serve as an ambassador to their profession, be provided leadership growth opportunities, and support DoDEA priorities and initiatives.

DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-age children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to local educational agencies throughout the United States that serve children of military families.