Greg VanSlambrook
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory, Principal

What do you enjoy about being an educator? Over the years I’ve been a teacher of economics, business, government, history, and religious studies. I’ve run community service programs, organized service trips, and led retreats. I’ve conducted and written music for marching percussion, for jazz ensembles. I’ve guided entrepreneurship students to start real-life businesses. I’ve always loved being a part of a school community- I love the rhythm and milestones of a school year, working with educators and with young people. 

What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? I really appreciated what I learned from our facilitators and colleagues in my fellowship cohort. It was really engaging to regularly spend time with really smart and passionate people who are leading a diverse mix of innovative and mission-driven schools. One of my main takeaways which remains very significant to my work today, was the importance of building our schools upon a foundation of strong and clear values, how our operations should all tie to those values, and how those values can unify the community.

Heba Elshakmak
MTI School of Knowledge, Principal

What led you to education? I believe my passion about helping others is what brought me to teaching. Education was highly esteemed in my family and in the country where I was raised. So, when I decided to switch to education, my husband, my parents, and all my family supported me.

What do you enjoy about being an educator? Having the opportunity to serve students, staff, parents, and the larger Muslim community is my real joy. There’s a quote from Prophet Mohammad PBUH about serving others. He says, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people”. I pray that we are among those people.

How would you describe your leadership style? I like to lead by example and build a culture of respect and trust. I believe in giving employees autonomy and inspiring their confidence.

My leadership style enhances employee empowerment through a transformational leadership style, driven by a shared vision and supported culture.

What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? Providing us with the support we need to succeed as individuals and school leaders. I appreciate the personal connection even after finishing the program. I appreciate sharing the story and journey of the Oaks success and giving us access to many resources for our school’s success.

I appreciate reflection and issue processing practices which I continue to use with our team.

Deandra Thompson
A Learning Bee Academy, Founder and CEO

What led you to education? I know that my parents  made a good life for me, and I want to help others see the goodness inside of them also and the opportunities that are achievable. 

What do you enjoy about your work? I enjoy the children. I love seeing them show what they know. It amazes me to see a one year old who struggled with talking and some social and emotional stuff, turn 5 and thrive at communicating and telling us all the 8 planets of the solar system.

How would you describe your leadership style? TEAM. Together we Educate, hold us Accountable and Affirm students through the Meaningful work we do daily. 

What did you appreciate most about the Fellowship? I loved reading the books and passages and the discussions. I also appreciate the knowledge in the room, which allowed us to create meaningful relationships. Every month I enjoyed learning something new.

Kathleen Stark Miller
Center for Inquiry 84, Principal

What led you to education? As a young kid I played school regularly and set up a school room in my basement. I had 12 students in my imaginary classroom, and I created that space like it was real. My imaginary students had name tags laid out on the floor, assigned books, and were organized by color coded folders of student work. Every book in my classroom library had a library card, organized alphabetically on a shelf. This classroom I created became a space in my house where I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like to be a teacher one day. 

While I majored in Spanish and Communications, I elected to take various education classes where I had the opportunity to observe teachers and support students. These were the moments of college learning that brought me the most joy. During these courses I was also exposed to discussions about equity and access in public schools and I quickly knew this was a field of work I wanted to pursue.

What do you enjoy about your work? I feel incredibly privileged to serve in my current role. My favorite part of the day is greeting students at the door each morning. Our students arrive with smiles on their faces, affirming my belief that our team is creating a safe learning environment where students are challenged and experience joy while learning.

Observing students engage in collaborative and meaningful learning brings me incredible joy. as a principal, I strive to support educators and remove as many barriers as possible to allow teachers to do what they do best- teach. When our educators are cared for and supported, they are in the best position to love and educate our students. I appreciate engaging in deep discussions around curriculum and critically evaluating current practices in an effort to refine our methods and decisions for the betterment of the school community.

Can you share something you are learning about yourself and your style of leadership? During this past year, I learned about the importance of adapting to ever-changing circumstances. I continue to learn the importance of allowing oneself to be pushed to think differently by allowing and inviting the perspectives of others. This work was never designed to be done in isolation. Being open, vulnerable, honest, and transparent about the circumstances and decisions creates an environment where growth is encouraged, and everyone can work to serve the community. I have also learned the value of demonstrating gratitude in all things. I am incredibly grateful to serve our community and be part of a team of dedicated educators who prioritize children in all things.

Emanuel Harper
Herron Riverside High School, Head of School