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California Principal Named 2008 MetLife NASSP National Middle Level...

James Dierke, principal of Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco, California, has been named the 2008 MetLife / National Association of Secondary School Principals (www.principals.org) executive director Gerald N. Tirozzi stated, "Jim Dierke has given Visitacion Valley Middle School and the surrounding community a sense of hope that hadn't existed there for many years. He has put his heart and soul into making sure his students feel safe and secure in their school building and has developed a school climate that nurtures academic excellence. NASSP is proud to recognize him for his achievements."

Today, Visitacion Valley continues to make remarkable strides. Through an after-school tutorial program, started with the assistance of the Mayor's Office of Children and Youth, students are able to get help with their schoolwork and participate in recreational activities. In five of the last six years, student test scores have improved and the school has initiated programs for high-school visitation, college gear-up and gifted students. Dierke also worked with the City College of San Francisco to open a center for Visitacion Valley adults that offers day and evening classes in basic literacy and computer training. The school is now a beacon of hope in the community.

"We are pleased to recognize James Dierke for his leadership skills and success in creating a safe and engaging learning environment," said Thomas G. Hogan, Jr., senior vice president and head of MetLife Resources. "His dedication to his staff, students and community are admirable and his achievements are inspiring."

Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation added, "The MetLife/NASSP Principal of the Year program underscores the critical role principals play in developing high performance schools that benefit all students.."

Dierke will be honored during an awards banquet on October 27 in Washington, D.C. The search for the National Principal of the Year began in early 2007 as each state principal's association selected its State Principal of the Year. From this pool of state award winners, a panel of judges selected three middle level and three high school finalists. Then, a national middle level winner and a national high school winner were selected.

The six finalists each receive a $1,500 grant. The two national award winners receive an additional grant of $3,500. The grants are used to promote the advancement of learning opportunities for students or other related investments such as capital improvements, the purchase of technology-related equipment, or funding specific educational programs.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals and MetLife are strongly committed to supporting the visions of unsung school leaders. Each year the MetLife/NASSP State and National Principal of the Year programs focus attention on the outstanding work principals do in middle level and high schools across the country. These individuals are recognized for their accomplishments as high-achieving principals, all the while making a daily investment in our children's future.

For more information about the MetLife/NASSP State and National Principal of the Year programs and winners, please visit www.principals.org.

About MetLife

MetLife Resources, a division of MetLife, provides retirement plan and other financial services to healthcare, education, and not-for-profit organizations. MetLife, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) is a leading provider of insurance and other financial services to millions of individual and institutional customers throughout the United States. MetLife's long-standing commitment to education includes publishing the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher since 1984, and working with NASSP since 1988. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. offers life insurance, annuities, automobile and homeowner's insurance and retail banking services to individuals, as well as group insurance, reinsurance and retirement and savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. Outside the U.S., the MetLife companies have direct insurance operations in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe.

Contact:

Shana Kemp, NASSP

703-860-7344

Holly Sheffer, MetLife

212-578-4072

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