Dear Independence Nontraditional School Staff,

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with our school community!

Mrs. Stephanie M. Bretzke was honored as Principal of the Year at the Prince William County Public Schools Outstanding Educator Awards, held on Tuesday, April 21, at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. This prestigious recognition celebrates educators whose dedication and impact create supportive, engaging learning environments and help build thriving futures for students across PWCS.

Ms. Bretzke has served PWCS for 13 years and currently leads Independence Nontraditional School, where she oversees the instructional, operational, and fiscal components of our K–12 public separate school, Nontraditional Middle School, and Nontraditional High School. Her career in education also includes service as a biology teacher in Newport News Public Schools and as an assistant principal in Poquoson City Public Schools and at Patriot High School here in Prince William County.

Beyond her impressive professional experience, Ms. Bretzke is actively advancing the field of education. She is currently working toward a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Christopher Newport University. She is deeply engaged in initiatives such as the University of Virginia’s Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence and Stanford University’s Multilingual Learner Initiative, and she has shared her expertise at both state and national conferences. Additionally, she has successfully secured and managed grants that expand opportunities for students.

Above all, Ms. Bretzke is known for her commitment to continuous improvement, equity, and excellence. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners, and she consistently leads with integrity, compassion, and vision. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and mentoring aspiring educational administrators.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Stephanie Bretzke on this well-deserved honor. We are incredibly proud to work alongside such an outstanding leader and are grateful for the dedication she brings to our school every day.

Congratulations, Ms. Bretzke!