In Miami-Dade classrooms, cafeterias and car lines, the work of a principal consists of a thousand small decisions before the bell rings — and a thousand more after. Principals are not just administrators; they’re mentors, advocates, visionaries and pillars of their communities.
During National Principals Month, three local principals shared their journeys, philosophies, and how their schools are transforming lives beyond the classroom.
From forensics to education
At Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary in Miami Gardens, Principal Tiffany C. James began her career far from education. She worked in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Forensics, helping resolve crimes “on the back end of things.”
After becoming a mother, James felt a calling to bring her background in science to the classroom. She moved quickly into leadership roles, joining the school district’s Education Transformation Office and serving as a curriculum support specialist and assistant principal before ultimately becoming principal.
“This is something you have to desire to want to do,” she said. “At that point, you are now on call 24 hours. It’s your building. It belongs to you.”…