Maine’s Principal of the Day ~ Beverly Stevens, Principal of Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portlant~
October is Principals’ Month and in honor of Maine’s exceptional principals, the “MPA Positive Story of the Day” will feature a Maine Principal every day. Today we are honoring Beverly Stevens, Principal of Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Portland.
“I love my job! I love the big picture visioning bringing a coherence and focus to the work of educating students. I love coaching and celebrating our staff. I love working with our team for every student to grow, by decreasing the opportunity/achievement gap, and supporting students in working out problems big and small. I also love mentoring new principals, we both learn so much from each other.
As a teacher, I taught students, full of potential and energy, from HeadStart to Job Corps, to seventh grade math. Each place I went, I was recruited into leadership positions (education manager, curriculum coordinator, Title I coordinator), until I settled into the amazing role of school principal. This position allows me to make a positive impact on students’ educational lives for six years, compared to just one year as a teacher.
I have also had the privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor for six years in central Maine. Additionally, I was honored to be selected as one of eight principals in the US to participate in the Fulbright Exchange program in Brazil in 2007. This was an amazing opportunity to visit schools across the country and well as meet with educational ministers.
I feel that my work is changing the future for the better, by leading a school that provides students with a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum helps our children develop into independent and creative thinkers, persistent learners, and internationally-minded citizens who are prepared to act with compassion and insight in a globalized society.” ~ Beverly Stevens
#NAESP #Thankaprincipal