Principal Residency
My Principal Residency was split between two elementary schools within Durham Public Schools. I started at Bethesda Elementary School under the guidance of Principal Dr. Shaneeka Moore-Lawrence. During this time I assumed many of the roles and responsibilities of an Assistant Principal while the search for a new Assistant Principal was occurring throughout the school year. In January 2018 I was appointed the Assistant Principal at W.G. Pearson S.T.E.A.M. Elementary School where I am completing my Principal Residency. At W.G. Pearson I am being mentored by Principal Christy Boykin. Detailed information on each school is provided below by school.
In addition to our school based principal mentors we were assigned an executive coach. My executive coach throughout my residency was Mr. Jim Key. Mr. Key served in a variety of roles within Durham Public school during his educational career to include a Principal and an Area Superintendent for High Schools. Mr. Key and I met at least once per week to discuss my progress as an educational leader. We would discuss what had gone well during the week as well as the challenges that had occurred that week. This allowed me to reflect on the week and to have an open dialogue for how to improve on my practices.
In addition to our school based principal mentors we were assigned an executive coach. My executive coach throughout my residency was Mr. Jim Key. Mr. Key served in a variety of roles within Durham Public school during his educational career to include a Principal and an Area Superintendent for High Schools. Mr. Key and I met at least once per week to discuss my progress as an educational leader. We would discuss what had gone well during the week as well as the challenges that had occurred that week. This allowed me to reflect on the week and to have an open dialogue for how to improve on my practices.
Bethesda Elementary School
A Brief Introduction to Bethesda Elementary
Bethesda Elementary School is located along S. Miami Boulevard south of its intersection with Ellis Road. The school serves a student population of 690 students in grades kindergarten thru fifth with a staff of 70 which includes teachers, specialists, instructional assistants, office staff, and administrators. The school's vision statement is: Every day! Every one! Every way! The school's mission statement is: We will learn, serve and achieve. For the 2017-2018 school year the school has adopted the theme: United to provide a five-star educational experience. Love. Learn. Grow. Lead. Change.
W.G. Pearson S.T.E.A.M. Elementary School
A Brief Introduction to W.G. Pearson S.T.E.A.M. Elementary
W.G. Pearson S.T.E.A.M. Elementary is located along Fayetteville Street south of its intersection with E. Cornwallis Road. The school is currently serving 498 students in grades pre-kindergarten thru fifth with a staff of 64 which includes teachers, specialists, instructional assistants, instructional coaches, office staff and administrators. The school's vision statement is: To become a community of lifelong learners and leaders in which all learners (students and adults) are proficient and continue to grow. The school's mission statement is: The W.G. Pearson school family consisting of students, staff, parents, and community members will put student needs first and collaborate to ensure all students reach their maximum potential. W.G. Pearson is a S.T.E.A.M. magnet school that has a focus on growing the whole child.