24 Mar 2006
Administrators Were Selected Based on Their Leadership Skills and Dedication
DALLAS–Dallas Independent School District Area Principals of the Year were named during a reception Friday, March 24, at Cityplace.
The reception, sponsored by AXA Advisors, recognized the work of individuals nominated as innovative campus leaders.
PTA presidents, student council officers, faculty members and fellow administrators nominated those they believed to be outstanding principals. Nominated principals submitted essays outlining their professional practices and experience. The selection committee was comprised of administrators, representatives from teacher organizations, higher education and the community. Nominees were judged in the areas of leadership skills, management effectiveness, school staff relationship, and community and parent involvement skills.
"A good educational leader is a person whose priority is the academic and personal well-being of the students," said Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. "These candidates are being recognized as Principals of the Year for their designated areas because of their dedication to educate tomorrow's leaders…our students."
Area Principals of the year are:
• Cheryl Davis Humphrey, Maya Angelou High School – Alternative Schools Principal of the Year
With a master's degree in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tulsa, Cheryl Humphrey began her career in education in 1975, as a teacher. She has served four years as a school principal and her staff describes Humphrey as "a wise and compassionate leader, who everyday sets for her staff, parents and students a model of strength, courage and caring." Among her many accomplishments, Humphrey has implemented partnerships between community organizations, such as with Health Start and the Family First Forum, and her school to provide better services and information to students and parents.
• Gayla Burgess, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School – Area 1 Principal of the Year
In 1980, Gayla Burgess began her career as a coordinator and teacher at Skyline High School. Burgess has been a school principal for 12 years, and has served at the current school for seven years. Burgess says that "instructional leadership involves expecting the best from students and refusing to let them fail." "My staff and I are constantly striving to show kids the joy that can come when they get excited about learning something new and experiencing success," she says. Burgess submitted a proposal and successfully obtained a 21st Century Community Learning Center Achievement Avenue Grant, which has benefited the whole school community. Among the grant's benefits, parents now have the opportunity to go to the school and learn English. Burgess holds a master's degree in Vocational Education from East Texas State University.
• M. Jean Dixon, Sarah Zumwalt Middle School – Area 2 Principal of the Year
M. Jean Dixon is known as "a principal who ensures that all students have an equal opportunity of being the best and learning all they can," a staff member says. Dixon, who has 14 years of experience as a school principal, graduated from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, with a bachelor's degree in elementary school education in 1975 and later, in 1978, received a master's degree in education from the same university. Dixon's leadership, creativity and dedication, has led her previous campus to earn a National Blue Ribbon. Dixon firmly believes that "a strong parent and community relationship is a valuable resource at every campus." Fueled by that belief, Dixon and her staff organize two family nights per school year to create an atmosphere of bonding and unity between students, teachers and parents.
• José León Tellez, Eduardo Mata Elementary School – Area 3 Principal of the Year
José León Tellez has been an educator for 29 years. Tellez' nurturing behavior, which compels staff to greatness, has earned him the nickname of "father of the campus." "He guides our campus with the wisdom and passion of a born leader, one that leads from the heart," said a teacher. Tellez knows the important role that teachers play in the success of a student and he strongly believes that making faculty members feel "self worth" is very important in moving a campus forward. Members of the Mata staff say Tellez gives them freedom to grow and learn through innovation and self-discovery. Tellez received his master's degree in science at East Texas State University – Commerce in 1978, and later, completed several management certification study courses.
• Jonnice L. Berns, Anne Frank Elementary School – Area 4 Principal of the Year
Jonnice L. Berns completed a master's degree in education in 1982 from North Texas State University. Nine years ago, Berns took the challenge and accepted the opportunity of opening a new elementary school as a first time principal. For the past two years, Anne Frank Elementary School has been awarded "Recognized" status from the state. Berns says that the school has received the recognition not only because of the dedicated staff, but also because of the many programs implemented in the school. Berns is fully supportive of students, families and community involvement. The school's staff, students and parents have strong relationships with community organizations, police departments, and professional organizations, which has led to greater student academic achievement.
• Alba N. Marrero, María Moreno Elementary – Area 5 Principal of the Year
Alba N. Marrero has served as an educator for 15 years and has been a principal at the current school for the past four years. Marrero completed her master's degree in education in 1998 from the University of Texas at Austin. "With her nurturing personality, and great creative imagination, our principal constantly brings forth a positive change and a safe learning environment for everyone," said one of Marrero's staff members. One of Marrero's keys to success has been the communication she has with parents to let them know the importance of parental involvement for student achievement. "When parents can truly understand how much their children depend on them, they become our best advocates for success," said Marrero. At María Moreno Elementary, parents receive English as Second Language and graduation equivalency classes as well as Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test training. Marrero says that "all we have accomplished can only happen in the context of a great team."
• Jeff Baker, Amelia Earhart Elementary Learning Center – Area 6 Principal of the Year
Under Baker's leadership, Amelia Earhart Elementary Learning Center has reached a "Recognized" status from the state. With a master's degree in education administration from Texas A & M – Commerce, Jeff Baker has served as an educator since 1989, and has been a school principal for the past five years. "It is rewarding to see how the school grows while new and innovative ideas flourish under the principal's leadership," said a former principal. Another of Baker's accomplishments is the increase in parent participation. "Our principal has built a trust with the parents and the community. Our PTA has grown since he arrived at our campus, and he provides many workshops on and off campus for our parents," said a staff member.
The 2006 DISD Principal of the Year will be named at a luncheon for all principals, Friday, June 2, at the Adams Mark Hotel, 400 Olive St.