Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jeffrey Monroe, Principal of Promise Academy Hollywood in Memphis, Tennessee, who highlights the school and how going through the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship with New Leaders prepared him to successfully step into the leadership role.
Promise Academy Hollywood, established in 2005, stands as one of Memphis, Tennessee’s oldest charter schools. Serving students from pre-K through 5th grade, it boasts a vibrant community of about 300 learners. The school’s foundational philosophy centers around nurturing not just academic skills but also the overall development of students.
New Leaders is a national nonprofit organization that is redefining how schools are led. For more than 20 years, New Leaders has equipped education leaders to be powerful and positive forces for change. The organization provides best-in-class leadership training – for teacher leaders, principals, and their supervisors – to accelerate learning for every student in every classroom, every year. The National Aspiring Principals Fellowship is an online certification and master’s degree program developed in partnership with Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Bank Street College. The program is designed with leaders of color, for leaders of color, to prepare equity-focused teachers for the principal role. The Fellowship offers principal certification pathways in over 40 states, including Tennessee. Fellows complete the program, including certification and residency requirements, while continuing to work full-time in their current role.
During the interview, Principal Monroe shares what led him to pursue becoming a principal and why he chose to go through the New Leaders program. He talks about some of his experiences, the ongoing support and network of fellow educators that has helped shape his ability to lead and foster a culture where both teachers and students are excited to come to school and perform at the highest levels. He shares GOOD news for how things are going at Promise Academy Hollywood and how the community can support their efforts.
Visit https://promiseacademy.com/hollywood-campus/ to learn more about Promise Academy Hollywood. Visit https://www.newleaders.org to learn more about New Leaders, and https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org to learn more about the Fellowship and to apply. The next cohort for Fall 2024 begins in August and applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024 for Bank Street College and Clark Atlanta University.
