School Zone
Shift of Power: Community Members Become Principals for a Day
Business and community leaders throughout the city had the chance to be principals at various Duval County public schools throughout the district on January 14 as part of the "Principal for a Day" program.
The "Principal for a Day" project encouraged the private sector to take a leadership role in public education with hopes that their one-day experience would translate into a long-term relationship with the school, thus supporting the overall academic achievement of students.
City Council At-Large Member Stephen Joost, who was filling in for Oak Hill Elementary Principal Rebecca Rhoden, decided to sign up for the program because he values education and wanted to better understand what it was like to walk in the shoes of a school’s leader.
Joost, who spent some time in an autistic class when he first arrived at the school, said he never realized how many resources are needed in special needs classrooms.
Principal Rhoden, who spent her day alongside Joost, teaching him about the school and introducing him to the students and staff, had some advice for anyone considering becoming a principal or even just acting as one for a day.
"Teaching, learning and knowing how to have fun are essential qualities for principals," she said. "It is a joy to help and watch students learn, and you have to be able to have fun when you are doing it."
Joost wasn't the only city council member to try out the job of principal. Members Art Graham and Clay Yarborough visited Twin Lakes Elementary and Arlington Middle, respectively. A list of other members of the community, including business and faith-based leaders, who participated in the program is available here.
|
