Two I-SS teachers selected for NC Principal Fellows Program

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman
Pictured (from left) are I-SS board chairman Martin Page, board members Bill Howell and Charles Kelly, Lake Norman Elementary School Principal Nichole Tilley, board member Todd Carver, Sara Webb, board member Chuck Gallyon, Coddle Creek Elementary Principal Susan Fail, board member Ken Poindexter, Sara Tucker, and board member Sam Kennington.

Special to Iredell Free News

Two Iredell-Statesville School teachers have been recommended by Superintendent Brady Johnson to participate in the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Principal Fellows Program.

Sara Tucker and Sara Webb will attend evening classes at UNCC while continuing with teaching duties during the day. Tuition, books, and all fees are paid for by the program. During the second year of the program, Tucker and Webb will complete a year-long paid internship in a school as assigned by district personnel. During the internship, participants will receive their full salary.

Graduates will earn a master’s Degree in School Administration.

Sara Tucker has worked as an elementary school teacher in the district since 2007. She currently serves as a fourth-grade teacher at Coddle Creek Elementary.

“I am beyond honored and excited to be chosen for the NC Principal Fellows Program,” stated Tucker. “I am looking forward to extending my influence beyond the classroom walls and beginning a leadership role in Iredell-Statesville Schools.”

Sara Webb, also hired in 2007, has spent her entire career at Lake Norman Elementary, where she teaches fifth grade.

Johnson said he is grateful for the partnership between the I-SS and UNCC. “We are always eager to grow our teachers professionally, and promote employees from within the district. However, getting a master’s degree these days is expensive. The North Carolina Principals Fellows Program, in collaboration with the Southwest Education Alliance and UNCC, is providing a tremendous opportunity to Ms. Tucker and Ms. Webb. I am confident that they will take full advantage of this opportunity, and am hopeful they will want to continue in an administrative role within our district some day.”

Debra Morris, assistant professor and program director for the Masters in School Administration Program at UNCC, is also excited about the partnership.

“We are excited about the partnership we have with Iredell-Statesville Schools to develop future school leaders. These two Principal Fellow candidates come highly recommended by district leaders, and we are excited about their participation in our Master’s of School Administration Program. UNC Charlotte recently received a $3.5 million NCPF/TP3 grant to continue to host and support principal fellows for the next four years, and we are excited to help prepare future school leaders for Iredell-Statesville Schools.”