Discovering the Wealth of Our Students!

My career as an educator has spanned over 17 years. I’ve had the pleasure to work with many students as a high school teacher, elementary assistant principal and principal, middle school principal and college professor.

Working with elementary students was truly gratifying, especially when I was able to witness the “aha” moments.  The hugs and snaggle-tooth smiles would also motivate me to give 110% of myself!  Teaching government and history to high school students most often inspired stimulating classroom debates.  However, preparing them for the “high stakes” reading and writing literacy passport tests was most challenging.  Then, there were the “middle years”!  Amidst the hormones, myspace accounts and seemingly never ending drama, my middle school kids were compassionate, inquisitive and gifted in unique ways.  Juggling the roles of Principal Jones by day and Professor Jones by evening was also rewarding challenge.  Wedding theory to best practices in my secondary instructional methods class was a wonderful  professional development experience for me personally.  Among the valuable lessons learned in my methods classes were those taught by my students, all of which were aspiring teachers!

I am now “Discovering the Wealth” of students as the Executive Director for Student Services.  I trust my journey through the past 17 years will guide me to make informed, student-centered decisions.  I look forward to sharing ideas and learning how other educators “discover the wealth” of their students.

By the way, opinions expressed here reflect my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of RCPS.