Teachers Weigh in on Their LEADers for National Principals Month
The month of October is National Principals Month and serves as a time to recognize and celebrate the work school principals do on our campuses to support and empower staff and students. We asked our teachers to share what they appreciate about their principals. Below are a few of the highlights.
Genevieve Byrd Hinnant, LEAD Southeast High School
“Mrs. Hinnant has many qualities that make her a good leader, but two stand out to me the most. She holds true to our values and shows it on a daily basis. Her belief in the staff and students at LEAD Southeast have created an overall culture of belief amongst the staff and students. She also brings true joy to any and every meeting she leads, no matter the energy she is met with. This brings the energy to our staff meetings and contributes to the overall joyful culture at LEAD Southeast.”
–Morgan Campbell, Teacher
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“Our Principal Gen supports, cares, and values both students and teachers by actively showing up and being engaged in everyday life. She is present and attentive when obstacles arise and definitely gives a sense of comfort when needed.”
–Tammy Thompson, Teacher
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“Our principal is a very responsive person and easy to work with because of her open mind. Students have expressed before that they feel her support and guidance when they go to discuss any concerns with her. She would always greet you with a smile and show willingness to support everyone on any task they are doing.”
–Marly Foad, Teacher
Briana Shelton, LEAD Cameron Middle School
“Bri is hands on in every aspect of running the school efficiently. She involves students in lots of activities to help them grow and to encourage them. It helps them think of Cameron as their home away from home. She embodies the African Proverb, ‘It takes a Village to Raise a Child.’ I should know – I am from there and experienced that same love and compassion all around me. She understands when there is an emergency and makes sure that students and teachers are covered in order for instruction to continue. She builds relationships with students and staff because that shows them and us that someone cares for their and our wellbeing. She knows every student’s name and has an open door policy if anyone needs her.”
–Velma Coleridge, Exceptional Education Teacher
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“Bri brings genuine joy to her work. Her deep passion for our work is contagious around the building and drives her team not only to execute but to enjoy the challenge before us. Bri is also deeply committed to our Cameron culture of feedback and actively listens and works together to always be available and incorporate new ideas. These combined strengths lead to a staff that feels empowered, supported, and involved in the way our school runs, creating not just one school leader but many strong teacher leaders throughout the building who are fully invested and engaged in the work of growing out students.”
–Ellie Poole, Teacher
Dominique Smith, LEAD Neely’s Bend Middle School
“Mrs. Smith is always seen in the hallways, greeting students, checking in with staff and encouraging us. She steps in whenever and wherever needed. She holds high expectations and reminds students that they are capable. She backs her teachers and ensures that we are taken care of both in school or out of school. She is a problem solver and always open to feedback and suggestions, making teachers feel heard.”
–Nancy Douyon, Teacher
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“Our principal supports us by being present and always in the moment. She’s constantly greeting, speaking, and holding meaningful conversations with staff and students. She is goal oriented, driven, and motivated by purpose. She has overcome challenges through hard work and perseverance.”
–Robert DeBose, Reading Interventionist
Jonathan Brocco, LEAD Southeast Middle School
“Every day is a good day to be Lobo because we have a principal who lives in our mission and leads with passion. Brocco is constantly in the hallway greeting students, stepping in to support in common spaces, and popping into classrooms just to say hello and see how we are doing. The impact of his presence, celebration, and cultural responsiveness around the school ensures that all students and staff feel they belong in the pack.”
–Krista Slade, Teacher
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“Mr. Brocco consistently supports all staff and students in feeling like they belong IN the pack everyday! He is seen in the hallways, in the classrooms, and even during lunch sitting with his own group for Lunch Bunch. Mr. Brocco actively seeks feedback from his teachers and staff, and finds ways to implement changes according to the needs of the people in his building. He is critically self-reflective, calm in the face of chaos, and incredibly welcoming. Every day, Brocco is seen with a smile on his face, greeting every individual, and is genuinely proud to be the leader of lobos. Brocco makes me feel like the rockstar teacher I am while still pushing me to become an even better educator! I am proud to call him my principal!”
–Samantha McNabb, Teacher
Maggie Sneed, LEAD Academy
“Maggie is one of the most understanding and trusting leaders I have ever worked for. She makes me feel confident in myself as a teacher. She comes to work with a positive attitude each day that is contagious. Her leadership has made LEAD Academy a place where students and staff enjoy showing up everyday.”
–Russ Hendley, Exceptional Education Teacher
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“Mrs. Sneed does an excellent job of setting the vision for our school. Whether that be for a particular school year or the longer term success of our school, I always feel bought in at key moments to how my day-to-day fits into our larger goals. She is also phenomenally receptive to feedback. It feels great to have a leader who listens and always follows up. Mrs. Sneed makes me want to “do what I say I’m going to do” on a daily basis because I watch her do it.”
–Jacob Maestri, Teacher
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“Principal Sneed is the epitome of building community. She is always present and willing to lend a helping hand. She addresses the needs of EVERYONE and treats everyone with care and consideration.”
–Shamira Freeman, Teacher
