Success Stories

GCS definitely believes in "growing its own.”  Their investment in me as an educator resulted in me growing from a teacher assistant to an administrator!  What an awesome opportunity!

Gail Brady, Principal, Gillespie Park Elementary School

I was very fortunate to have been a part of the GCS Administrative Cohort. Guilford County Schools had a vested interest in me.  Upon graduation, I was immediately employed by the district as an administrator.  GCS takes pride in their programs and the people that collectively make up each program.

David Jarmon, Principal, Hampton Elementary School

The cohort experience was invaluable to me. Through it, I was able to build friendships and professional relationships that I carried with me throughout the MSA coursework and into the principalship.  As many of us from the first cohort group have now moved into schools of our own, we continue building upon that collegiality by sharing our experiences as beginning administrators.  I have felt extremely supported and encouraged by both my colleagues and district administration.  I could not imagine taking this journey any other way.

Scott Winslow, Principal, Northwood Elementary School

I have a deep sense of gratitude to GCS for affording me the opportunity to be a part of the administrative cohort!

Cathy Batts, Principal, Gibsonville Elementary School

Participating in the GCS Administrative Cohort was a tremendous professional development opportunity for me.  Participating in the program with a group of GCS employees provided relevant field work experiences in preparation for our leadership roles within the district.  The relationships established in this program continue to serve as a resource in my current role.

Kevin Wheat, Principal, Southern Middle School

As principal of Weaver Academy the past three years, I am grateful to Guilford County Schools for supporting my participation in the Administrative Cohort Program. The GCS Administrative Cohort Program afforded me the opportunity to earn my School Administration degree at no cost, while continuing to serve our district as a full-time employee. In addition, it provided internal support, opportunities for networking, instruction, internships, research, and on-the-job training, which prepared me for my first administrative position.

Perhaps the most valuable experience was developing professional and personal relationships with my cohort colleagues who became a part of my extended family. We still stay in touch through emails, monthly get-togethers, weddings, and baby showers. It is encouraging to be able to consult with a colleague about best practices or engage in purposeful conversations about how we are working to move our schools forward.

Anna Brady, former Principal, Weaver Academy

The Guilford County Schools administrative cohort program inspired me to become an administrator, were it not for the opportunity, I would not have applied for graduate school.  The support of GCS through the cohort model enabled me to pursue and complete my master’s program in school administration.  I am very grateful to have had the support of my fellow cohort members during my studies as well as now that I am a practicing Principal.  The relationships formed within the framework of our learning greatly enhanced the experience and inspired me to dig deeply into the curriculum and prepare myself for leadership within the Guilford County Schools.  

Garriot Rose, former Principal, The Academy at High Point Central