October is National Principals Month – so before it ends, we wanted to ensure that we sent some shine to ours. We interviewed a few of our leaders to hear firsthand what they’ve learned from our principals. #ThankAPrincipal

Melissa Cedeño on Jamie Platzer (MH Elementary)

“She has a fight in her for every student, every family, and every teacher. And guess what? This fight and her love do not stop… it burns all day long as evidenced in her late-night chats, and early morning texts. Unstoppable.”

Lori Riddick on Christine Wicks (EH Pre-K)

“Christine is a learner – she has her school on a continuous improvement cycle. She examines current practice, learns from other schools, and applies research to refine and tweak her school’s already excellent program … Her leadership invites her teachers to bring an inquiry lens to their work so that we can help our youngest students enter and grow in the DREAM community.”

Eve Colavito on Renee Canales (EH Elementary)

“She is a fierce advocate for her team, for her school, and for what is right for children. Renee demonstrates the value of belief in team and finding the answers in the room; watching her distribute and share leadership with her team has shown me the strength of investing in and empowering others to walk alongside us in pursuit of our mission.”

Katie Doctor on Liz Dodge (EH MS)

“I have learned from Liz’s leadership the power of creating and nurturing a culture of learning on your team. Liz has a deep and nuanced understanding of herself and others and uses that knowledge to foster continuous growth and learning in everyone around her.”

Rich Berlin on Jared Francis (DCHS)

“From Jared I have learned – and been reminded of – the importance of courage in our work… The courage to embrace the challenge of a ‘new’ school every year since its founding, and to frame our current crisis as an opportunity for innovation, learning, and an ever deeper belief in DREAM’s mission and maxims.”