National Principals Month: Gratitude For Our Local School Leaders
Principal Mercedes Mason – Pan American Academy Charter School
What inspired you to become a principal?
I was inspired to become a principal because, as a teacher who worked in various states and school districts, I observed consistent injustices against Black and Brown students. My desire to advocate for students and change their educational trajectory led me to view school administration as a means to make a more significant impact.
What do you find most rewarding about your role as a principal?
The most rewarding aspect of being a principal is witnessing students thrive in a secure and nurturing environment and observing their growth over the years. Additionally, I have a deep commitment to supporting our staff and ensuring they are well-supported to provide the best possible education for our students.
Principal Dollette Johns-Smith – Morton McMichael School
What inspired me to become a principal?
What inspired me to become a principal was the opportunity to extend my impact beyond the individual classroom. While I enjoyed nurturing young minds as a classroom teacher on a smaller scale each year, I aspired to make a broader and more significant difference in the lives of students. Taking on the role of a principal allowed me to reach and serve students beyond the confines of a single classroom.
What do you find the most rewarding about being a principal?
The most rewarding aspect of being a principal is the daily opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s lives. I am dedicated to serving their educational, social, and emotional growth. Witnessing students, especially those who may have faced challenges similar to my own, achieve significant progress is a constant source of fulfillment. Knowing that my unwavering commitment to tailoring the educational experience to meet each student’s needs is deeply gratifying.
Principal Brian Cameron – Alliance for Progress Charter School
What inspired you to become a principal?
My inspiration to become a principal stems from a family legacy of educators, with both my mother and sister in teaching roles. My journey into education started early through tutoring, and over the years, I spent a decade teaching Middle School. During this time, I became deeply passionate about the transformative power of quality education in shaping students’ lives. As the years passed, I felt a growing sense of purpose and a calling to make a broader impact beyond my own classroom.
What do you find the most rewarding about being a principal?
The most rewarding aspect of being a principal, in my opinion, is that we continue to teach, but our role extends to leading and inspiring not just from our office, but throughout the entire school. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to influence and support 630 students, providing them with opportunities to blossom into their best selves. How could one not be excited about such a responsibility and opportunity?
Principal Betsaida Ortiz – Middle Years Alternative School (MYA)
What inspired you to become a principal?
My journey towards becoming a principal, particularly as a Latina woman, has been driven by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to achieving educational equity. Having experienced firsthand the challenges and disparities while growing up, I was inspired to break down barriers and forge opportunities for those who, like me, have faced adversity. This determination to bring about positive change in the lives of students from diverse backgrounds motivated me to pursue a career in educational leadership. As a principal, my goal is to serve as a source of empowerment, advocating for the potential of each student and creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where they can thrive and succeed. My Puerto Rican heritage and personal experiences have profoundly shaped my unwavering dedication to transforming the educational landscape and fostering a brighter future for all.
What do you find the most rewarding about being a principal?
The most rewarding aspect of my role as a principal is witnessing the transformative power of education. It’s incredibly gratifying to see students grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Whether it’s a struggling student making a breakthrough, a teacher implementing innovative teaching methods, or a school community coming together to support each other, these moments of progress and success reaffirm my passion for educational leadership. As a principal, I find fulfillment in knowing that I play a vital role in shaping the future and empowering students to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
