MASSP honors Center Line High School Assistant Principal John Grob for strengthening instructional practices, building relationships and developing leadership capacity.
John Grob, assistant principal of Center Line High School, has been named Michigan’s 2027 High School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
Grob was surprised with the award by MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster during a school-wide assembly attended by students, teachers and Center Line Public Schools leadership.
“Mr. Grob has many leadership strengths, from curriculum to technology. However, his superpower is his ability to interact with people. Students know him as someone who holds them to high standards while never letting them forget they are cared for; staff know him as a steady partner, a generous mentor and the first to offer help — and the last to take credit,” said Center Line Public Schools Superintendent Joe Haynes.
Since joining Center Line as an administrator in 2021, Grob has brought an innovative and data-focused mindset to teaching and learning. His Data Den initiative brings departments together to connect core standards, learning intentions and student data, helping teachers align their practices with shared instructional goals.
“What stands out most about John is that his leadership is grounded in a genuine commitment to improving the practice of the people around him. He does not simply talk about instructional leadership, he builds systems that make it possible,” said Center Line High School Assistant Principal Mandolyn Grattan. “John has helped our staff see how they fit together as part of a larger instructional vision.”
Grob also introduced regular, non-evaluative classroom walkthroughs that help educators identify effective practices, examine student learning and refine instruction. He brings his observations full circle through professional learning, classroom modeling and practical applications of artificial intelligence to help teachers unpack standards and design lessons.
“When John notices something unique happening during his walkthroughs, he highlights it at our staff meetings. This not only gives the teacher well-deserved praise, but also ensures other educators are aware of new strategies and out-of-the-box techniques,” said Center Line teachers Bret Davis and Carree Finazzo in a joint statement.
His commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. Through his work with Center Line’s Freshman Academy, Grob helps students feel welcomed, supported and connected as they transition to high school. His daily presence in classrooms, hallways and in the cafeteria reinforces a culture of belonging.
“Beyond academics, John is the driving force behind our positive school culture, climate and sense of belonging. His greatest strength is his presence,” said Davis and Finazzo.
Beyond the instructional systems he has helped establish, Grob invests in developing the people who sustain and improve them. He supports new teachers, mentors fellow administrators and helps colleagues work through challenges independently. In her nomination letter, Grattan described how he has guided her through her first year as an assistant principal by asking questions, exploring different perspectives and helping her build confidence in her own decisions.
“John understands that improving teaching and learning depends on developing the people doing the work. He’s helped educators build shared instructional practices, but what stands out more is how he supports their growth along the way. He listens, asks questions, shares what he’s learned and helps colleagues develop the confidence to make decisions and lead for themselves. His influence isn’t limited to the systems he’s helped create. It continues through the people whose capacity he’s helped develop. That’s how leadership changes lives,” said Ripmaster.
“That may be John’s greatest gift as an administrator: he makes the people around him better. He is generous with his time, ideas and expertise,” said Grattan.
A veteran educator with 26 years of experience, including 10 years in administration, Grob was nominated by Grattan. His selection followed a two-stage review involving student leaders from Michigan Student Leadership and members of the MASSP Board of Directors. Both committees considered evidence of instructional leadership and impact across instruction, innovation, school culture and community engagement.
MASSP celebrates four building leaders annually as part of its statewide Administrators of the Year award program. The awards recognize exceptional middle and high school principals and assistant principals, and the difference they make in the lives of students, educators and their communities.
Grob will represent Michigan as its nominee for the National Principals Association High School Assistant Principal of the Year competition. All state award winners will be recognized at the National Education Leadership Awards ceremony in February 2027 in Tampa, FL.
The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) supports and develops Michigan’s middle and high school principals, assistant principals and other school leaders through professional learning, advocacy, resources and a statewide leadership community. Through its student division, Michigan Student Leadership (MSL), MASSP also supports student leadership development across Michigan. Learn more about the Administrators of the Year awards program at https://massp.com/poty/.