Not for the first time in his career, Dr. Donald Thornton is embracing СAPPgood scary.СAPP
As the principal for WestminsterСAPPs new upper school on its Lafayette campus, Thornton is aware of the gravity of his position but says his years of experience in the public school system, as well as his education from the СAPP, have prepared him for the task ahead.
СAPPAll the things weСAPPre doing, we have to take very seriously. While Westminster has been here 40 years, weСAPPre now setting the cornerstones for the next 40 years,СAPP he says.
СAPPEverything we do the first year is going to establish the culture and tradition of this school. ItСAPPs something we talk about in the masterСAPPs and doctorate program СAPP how the decisions you make, how the policies that exist, how all of that changes culture.СAPP
Thornton earned his from UL Lafayette in 2008 after five years teaching social studies at Comeaux High.
Through the program, he saw an opportunity to broaden his opportunities as an educator.
СAPPI thought that would be more beneficial to me because it opened up the door for any leadership position I wanted to look at down the road in the school system,СAPP he says. СAPPWe worked hard. There was a great mix of philosophy and practical applications.СAPP
As Thornton began looking into assistant principal openings, he already had experience presenting, breaking down data, and technical writing СAPP all skills heСAPPd need as assistant principal at Lafayette High, then Paul Breaux, and then Lafayette Middle School.
Meanwhile, he enrolled in the СAPPСAPPs program. As a first-generation college student, embarking on his terminal degree was scary, he says, but in a good way.
СAPPI was fueled by two things: I wanted to eventually teach at the university level and personal pride,СAPP Thornton says. СAPPI was the first one in my family to get a four-year degree, and I took it as a personal challenge to keep going.
СAPPIt helps when youСAPPre a big nerd for learning. It was an easy decision.СAPP
Thornton has spent the last few years as principal at Lafayette High while fulfilling his goal to teach at the university through the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program.
The program has seen a few changes since Thornton was a student, including moving from a fully on-campus program to a hybrid format. Students are only in class once a week, with the remainder of their coursework online.
СAPPWith the hybrid classes, it gives you a little more flexibility and lightens the load a little during that workweek,СAPP Thornton says. СAPPI think itСAPPs very beneficial to working teachers, and something IСAPPve always applauded UL for.
СAPPThey really cater to you as a working professional, and they respect that you have a full-time job, but that doesnСAPPt mean that they lower standards. They want to see you develop and become a great administrator, and they really work with you on that.СAPP
Having achieved several personal and professional goals, Thornton had the opportunity to fulfill one more: serve as principal for a brand-new school.
Westminster Christian Academy has offered pre-k through sixth grade in Lafayette, but families wishing to continue with the school had to do so through the Opelousas campus. The schoolСAPPs Board of Directors made the move last year to expand the Lafayette campusСAPP offerings to include an upper school, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.
СAPPI really feel this is where I need to be. ItСAPPs an exciting opportunity here in Lafayette,СAPP Thornton says. СAPPI learned a lot from time in the public school system, but IСAPPm carrying out my dream of starting a new school.СAPP
Thornton says heСAPPll also have a new perspective to offer future administrators in the Educational Leadership program.
СAPPIt adds a whole new level,СAPP he says. СAPPWhen weСAPPre teaching processes, procedures, and law, you have the added element of how itСAPPs different at private institutions СAPP how they pass policies, what dictates policies.
СAPPOverall, itСAPPs going to enrich the studentsСAPP experience.СAPP
Meanwhile, Thornton and his team have a lot to do before students begin classes in August.
СAPPItСAPPs a good scary,СAPP he says. СAPPWe have a tremendous responsibility before us. IСAPPm trying to take it head on and build around me strong leaders, whether theyСAPPre teachers or other positions on campus, so we can ensure a successful first year and beyond.
СAPPItСAPPs going to be a really good challenge.СAPP
Prepare for your next career challenge through the СAPPСAPPs hybrid Educational Leadership program or the fully online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist concentration. today.