In July, Still Elementary School will welcome the school’s new principal—veteran educator Monica Howard.

Having served as an educator for more than 30 years, Principal Howard’s career has taken her to Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Florida, and of course, Georgia. She has proudly served in Cobb for two decades, including her most recent principal at Birney Elementary School. 

In the below question and answer interview, Principal Howard recounts her favorite memory as an educator, explains why she is excited to bring her leadership and education experience to Still Elementary, and details one of her main goals this year. 

Question: Why are you excited to serve the Still Elementary School community as principal? 

Answer: “Still is known for their close-knit community of staff and parents that are dedicated to, and invested in, all facets of student success. I also hear how the Still community is buoyed by robust support from their PTA and their Partners in Education. I am excited to be joining this community as it continues to build upon its legacy of academic excellence and student success.

In speaking to members of the Still community, both past and present, a common thread emerges: children love coming to Still. Children recount the fun and engaging STEM lessons taught by kind and encouraging teachers. Parents praise the professionalism, responsiveness, and engagement of the Still staff. All of this testifies to the fact that Still is an exceptional place of learning.”

Question: What can the school community expect to see under your leadership?  

Answer: “A fundamental component of leadership is listening. To that end, initially, one of my goals will be to listen, learn, and connect with our wonderful students, staff, PTA, Principal’s Advisory Council, and community stakeholders. I look forward to learning each student’s name, their stories, and aspirations too.”

Question: What does student success look like to you?  

Answer: “Student success looks different for each child. I truly believe that all children can learn and that it is our role as educators to meet the students where they are academically and emotionally while providing students a sense of confidence and self-worth.”

Question: What do you like most about being an educator? Do you have a favorite memory?

Answer: “Watching children’s eyes sparkle when they have accomplished a new task or achieved a goal is what makes this profession so rewarding for me. One of my favorite memories of such a moment occurred when I was a third-grade teacher. I was instructing the students on the states of matter. To illustrate our lesson, we conducted a scientific experiment that involved inflating a balloon. One student had never successfully blown up a balloon. His classmates encouraged him. Each took turns modeling how to inflate the balloon. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, the student triumphed. So overcome with joy, he asked if he could share our experiment with the principal. He did. And as he began to inflate the balloon for the principal, he regaled her with the key points of our lesson. It was a precious moment indeed.”

Question: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you? 

Answer: “You will probably find me walking, shopping, or picking up take-out.”