Public schools are not only expected to teach academic basics, but also to fulfill public missions that go beyond what private schools do.
Some of these missions include providing food, health care, counseling, school supplies, physical activity, the arts, and social work to all students.
These services are essential for the well-being and development of many children, especially those from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Becoming a school principal is a significant milestone in the education sector. This role demands a blend of leadership, innovation, and a profound commitment to student development.
That’s where we pick up the job of Woodrow Wilson High School principal, Ryan Stafford.
“Everything that I have learned and everything that I am today came through education,” explained the popular principal of his background. “I am the product of the Beckley community and two wonderful parents, who also happen to be educators.”
Stafford performs his duties daily at the high school, where he supervises the 1,300 students who are enrolled among some 100 teachers and staff personnel. He would never ask any of his teachers to do anything that he wouldn’t do himself. After all, he is a former teacher and coach who grew up in a family of teachers. He is the son of Michelle and Dale Stafford, both of whom teach at the facility. Michelle teaches psychology while her husband, Dale, is a driver’s education instructor.
Stepping into the shoes of a principal means that you are ready to shape an educational environment that fosters learning and inclusivity, which includes teaching a variety of arts and sciences and making students feel at home.
Stafford sat down with me long enough to showcase his vision, experience, and dedication to educational leadership.
He informed me about his values and priorities, explaining why he is called to serve the Beckley community. He talked about his goals for his career, and how he plans on achieving them.
“I decided to stay here and to raise my family here,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in education and the learning and growing process that goes along with it. Also, I always wanted to coach. Coaching and teaching offered opportunities for me to lead in a different capacity. When I was younger, I thought about becoming a teacher, but as I got older I realized that I could have a greater impact on students by working as a school administrator. I love working with students and teachers alike and helping them to achieve their goals. I believe that being a school principal is a great way to serve our community.”
Stafford, without question, understands the key attributes of a successful leader, especially when it comes to the work that he loves, such as:
- The ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and administrators. In the Human Resources world, which is basically what he does in education, there are strategies and procedures that he helps to implement daily. “All that originated from my experience on football and baseball fields when I was growing up. Leading is leading. I am thankful for the countless coaches who took time teaching players how to lead as well as teaching them and me the fundamentals of sports.”
- He grew up watching his parents serve young people in the community. He can remember being proud of what his parents did in his community. That is where his love for school began, with a commitment to creating a positive and supportive school culture.
- Stafford understands effective instructional practices and how to focus on student learning.
- The mild-mannered educator has the ability to effectively manage both resources and personnel. “Manage” is perhaps a strong word. You have to be good to your people. More than that, he wants his staff members to see him as someone who allowed them to do what they were passionate about, and understand how the school’s administrative team cares about the whole person, not just who they are from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The capable principal is keenly aware that there are many challenges that administrators must face in education today. One of the largest challenges is managing the increasing demands placed on schools by the government and society. Schools are expected to do more with less, and this often means that principals must make tough decisions about how to allocate resources, Stafford explained.
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“Another big challenge is dealing with student discipline issues,” Stafford pointed out. “In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of students who exhibit disruptive or violent behavior, which can be a drain and a distraction from the educational mission of schools all across the nation.”
The savvy administrator added, “Principals must also deal with the ever-changing landscape of education. New technologies and teaching methods are constantly being introduced, and it can be difficult to keep up with all the changes.
“It is important for principals to stay abreast of new developments in education, so they can make informed decisions about what is best for their students,” according to Stafford. “We want good data and good results, not because we are in the data business, but because we are in the people business. The focus of education must always be helping people.”
Even more importantly, he noted, is perhaps, how does one obtain a better understanding of the principal’s thoughts and plans on improving student achievement?
One of the most important school objectives, according to Stafford, is to ensure that all students have access to a quality education. This undoubtedly means ensuring that their schools have adequate resources, including qualified teachers and staff, as well as a curriculum that is aligned with state standards.
For example, Staffard noted that WWHS hopes to be one of the first schools in the area to partner with colleges that offer “dual credit” courses at virtually no cost to students.
Perhaps another important criteria often requires principals to create a positive and supportive school climate where all students feel welcome and valued.
“Principals must work with families and the community gatekeepers to engage them in the education of their children,” advised Stafford, while pointing out the importance of:
- Encouraging positive relationships between staff and students;
- Fostering a sense of belonging and community within the school;
- Creating a safe and welcoming environment;
- Promoting respect and positive communication.
Stafford further added that improving school climate means creating an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and respected, while at the same time ensuring that all members of the school community are treated fairly and with respect.
“When everyone feels like they belong and are valued, it creates an opportunity to achieve really cool things academically,” the principal said. “I know what it’s like growing up in Beckley. I am proud of where I am from. I want our students and parents to feel that same measure of pride.”
At the same time, if the principal believes that parent engagement is important, he/she is likely to take steps to improve communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, which can lead to better academic outcomes for all students.
“Obviously, one of the most important steps to improve parental engagement with teachers is to make parents feel welcome and comfortable with the school’s mission,” Stafford added. “I hope that our families can see the effort that has gone into our communication with them.
“I think we give the Beckley community a glimpse into the heart of our school, which provides us a head-start as we work to prepare our students for the competitive world beyond these hills…”
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Top o’ the morning