The Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP) has announced that Seager Middle School Principal Dr. Kandy Worley has been named the Jim L. King MoASSP Middle School Principal of Year. Behind every great school is a caring principal, an administrator who not only supports the school’s success, but also fosters good character, builds relationships, encourages collaboration, and instills a love of learning. Dr. Worley exhibits all of these traits and more.

As principal, she has made a positive impact at Saeger by building trusting relationships with students and really getting to know them. “I invest a lot of time in my students and making students feel good about themselves and their school,” said Dr. Worley. “My parents know that I care about their children and their learning.”

Dr. Worley has established a positive and collaborative culture at Saeger, where teachers are truly part of a professional learning community (PLC). This work has contributed to the continued improvement of Saeger’s MAP scores over the past three years. Dr. Worley has worked to improve student success and improve the learning environment as well. She has created a culture where kids are loved, are comfortable, and feel safe.

It is evident that Dr. Worley is passionate about learning, her students, and her staff. “If I were to name or think of the one thing that makes me happy about what I do, it would be the kids. It is their laughter, smiles, their innocence, and sometimes even their mischievous nature,” said Dr. Worley. “We have some of the best students and staff I have ever had the privilege to work with, and I am lucky to be the principal at Saeger Middle School.”

Dr. Worley has been a member of the Francis Howell family for the past 24 years, working as a Spanish teacher, high school assistant principal, high school principal, and in her current role as Saeger’s principal. Dr. Worley earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University in 2009.



