When I think of the very best characteristics of Harriet Tubman, words like powerful, determined, fearless and strategic comes to mind. As I reflect on all of the educators I have crossed paths with, every once in a while I come across an individual who beckons my attention for the excellent manner in which they manage their responsibilities. Things like accountability, integrity, character, mannerisms, knowledge, and laughter have always been an integral part of what I believe to be the foundation for getting to better. Enter Mrs. Toinette Weems! An educator most worthy of the Harriet Tubman Courage & Service Award.
As Principal of Neil Armstrong Elementary School, I have had the pleasure of working with and observing Mrs. Weems abilities and accomplishments regularly for the past eight years. She has demonstrated competencies that are often only seen in experienced educational leaders. Her prior work as a representative for our Building Leadership Team (BLT), various after school activities, an active colleague both departmental and interdepartment who collaborates with purpose to help us get from good to GREAT, and who has helped spearhead our mathematical practices with increased attention on fact fluency clearly reveals her knowledge about research-based and best instructional practices, and her proactive endeavors to stay current in the field. She understands the value of collecting, analyzing, and using student data in order to improve student achievement.
Toinette strives to develop caring relationships with her students, thereby supporting not only their cognitive growth, but their social and emotional growth as well. She excels in her organizational and managerial responsibilities, and has an incredible work ethic. She is by far the most highly requested/sought out teacher at NAES.
What is most noteworthy is witnessing her leadership capacity to encourage those around her, including me to recognize and call out bias and ill-perceived perceptions that has the detrimental power to "alter reality" thus creating false narratives. Kids are our business. How we relate to one another, the stories we tell one another about each other can either uplift the culture and climate in which our students learn or grown, or it can undermine their journey towards college and career readiness. Mr. Weems, in the words of Assistant Superintendent Fields, calls a thing a thing. The execution of her words and her deeds are always in alignment for what is best for our students.
Mrs. Toinette Weems is honest. She is resolved. She is powerful, determined, fearless, and strategic. She is most worthy of the Harriet Tubman Courage and Service Award.
With Astro pride,
Mrs. Shahran Spears-Etherly, NAES Principal
