The Osceola School District has recognized outstanding leadership in education, naming Thomas Rademacher as the 2025 Principal of the Year and Amanda DeRight, of Neptune Middle, as the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year.Thomas Rademacher Named Principal of the Year
Thomas Rademacher has been selected as the 2025 Principal of the Year for the Osceola School District. As Principal of Neptune Middle, a Title I school, he has driven transformation by empowering his staff to have a laser focus on student success with a steadfast belief in the potential of every child, regardless of their background.
Under his leadership, Neptune Middle has had significant academic gains, high school credit attainment, and schoolwide improvements. School performance data shows a 101-point increase, or 11% overall growth, including a 14% increase in ELA learning gains, a 20% increase in ELA lowest quartile learning gains, a 12% increase in mathematics achievement, a 15% increase in math learning gains, and a 30% increase in math lowest quartile learning gains. In addition, 72% of Neptune’s students earn at least one high school credit before leaving for ninth grade.
Mr. Rademacher’s outstanding ability to continually develop and support teachers to improve instructional practices has directly impacted student outcomes. He also has formalized the school’s coaching and mentorship program for teacher leaders to provide peer observation opportunities, offer feedback, and co-plan lessons with new and struggling teachers, building instructional consistency across the school. Classroom observation data shows a 30% increase in student engagement levels, directly correlating with higher academic performance.
With the goal of strengthening relationships and improving school culture, he created a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). One of the group’s first achievements was to secure funding to develop a robotics program that participated in the World Championships in Texas and the U.S. Open in Iowa in its first year. The program has gone on to provide scholarships for field trips, fund school equipment, and organize events that have positively impacted school culture by fostering a sense of pride throughout the entire school community.
“Mr. Rademacher is a leader among leaders in our middle and K-8 schools,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “His ability to ensure that every student and staff member feels seen, valued, and supported on their journey has led him to foster excellence.” Principal Rademacher will now represent Osceola County for the Florida Department of Education’s 2025 Florida Principal of the Year Award.
Amanda DeRight Named Assistant Principal of the Year
Amanda DeRight has been selected as the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year for the Osceola School District. As the Assistant Principal of Central Avenue Elementary, a Title I school, Mrs. DeRight is deeply committed to creating pathways for success and providing opportunities for the underrepresented student population in the community.
Mrs. DeRight is a true changemaker. When she assumed the role of Assistant Principal at Central Avenue Elementary, the school was grappling with various challenges. Recognizing the learning gaps, Mrs. DeRight implemented a system to monitor instructional practices and student achievement. Additionally, she took charge of the weekly newsletter outlining commitments, goals, and a calendar of Professional Learning Team meetings and development opportunities.
In a community with a transient population, Mrs. DeRight quickly established meaningful connections with students and their families. She made a point to personally engage with families during arrivals, learning the names of students and their guardians. These authentic relationships have helped foster a positive school environment, encouraging students to attend regularly and embrace their learning.
She also recognized the need for additional support during after-school hours and developed extended learning opportunities on campus. Through her unwavering dedication and hard work, Mrs. DeRight played a pivotal role in moving Central Avenue Elementary up a letter grade in the state’s grading system for schools.
“Mrs. DeRight’s dedication to innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence makes her a role model across the district,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff. “Her positive impact is felt every day, as she is focused on fostering a positive school culture, enhancing student success, and building strong relationships with staff and families.” Mrs. DeRight will represent Osceola County for the Florida Department of Education’s 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year Award.
