Tammy Midgett (left) teaches first graders interactively. Caldwell-Guthrie teachers are encouraged to keep youngsters engaged in the classroom.(Photos by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

So what does an over-achieving, former security executive have to do with a small elementary school in North Memphis? Well, plenty! And school officials couldn’t be happier about it.

Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary School Principal LaWanda Hill has a style that makes her easy to recognize.

Caldwell-Guthrie Asst. Principal Pamela Cleaves (left) is Principal LaWanda Hill’s “right-hand”.

LaWanda Hill is principal of the newly merged Caldwell-Guthrie Elementary School. Both the school and its administrator are generating high expectations for exceptional achievement this school year.

“We merged two elementary schools to maximize our resources in this community,” explained Quentin Taylor in the Memphis City Schools Communications Office. “Caldwell and Guthrie were within about a mile and a half of each other. It just made sense.

“Then you have this young principal who is known for demanding high standards of performance from her teachers, her students, and herself. Caldwell-Guthrie and LaWanda Hill make a winning combination, and we’re excited about that.”

Hill’s illustrious professional career began not as a teacher, but a no-nonsense, by-the-book personnel screener for Guardsmark Security Services. After 10 years in that industry, very few challenges were coming her way. Hill decided to make the switch from security professional to school administrator.

“Memphis City Schools had initiated the ‘New Leaders for New Schools’ program. I was only 37 and already feeling that I had exhausted every opportunity for job growth. I wanted a new challenge, and MCS was actively recruiting professionals.

“I applied and was accepted. When the school year began, I entered training at Alcy Elementary School working with the 4th grade. After three years, I was transferred and continued training at Hickory Hill Elementary, also in a 4th-grade classroom. Two years later, I became principal of Caldwell. Needless to say, I was thrilled.”

Hill quickly gained a reputation with parents, teachers, and students as an administrator who isn’t afraid to demand excellence from everyone involved in the learning process.

“I believe in exceeding the expectations of those we are accountable to,” said Hill. “Our teachers must always be the most effective learning tool in the classroom, not computers and their instructional software.

“Interactive teaching methods keep children engaged. They are challenged to be active participants in their own learning process. Our instructors are encouraged to generate enthusiasm and excitement in the classroom so that youngsters, in turn, become enthusiastic and excited learners.”

Hill is a hands-on principal who constantly walks the halls, checking in with teachers and observing classroom activities. Each morning, she meets with teachers to get “everyone on one accord” for a successful day of learning.

“The agenda of our morning meetings consists of one item in particular,” she said. “I want to know only one thing from each instructor: ‘What do you need from me?’ Support from a school’s administrator is critical for a successful day of learning. Teachers should be held to a high standard, but a principal must provide every means of support to assist them in attaining their goals.

“This summer as we prepared for Caldwell-Guthrie’s first school year, we tried to figure out what works,” said Hill. “We retained the strategies that have been effective in the past and eliminated those which had not worked so well. I believe we have one of the most innovative, results-driven approaches to successful classroom learning.”

The secret of her success

In the field of education, three major components are necessary for success, said Hill.

 “First of all, there must be a spirit of respect for students, teachers, parents, maintenance personnel and custodial staff. Everyone deserves respect and everyone has the responsibility of showing respect to others.”

Secondly, said Hill, “We as adults must model the behavior we want to instill in our students. When I was growing up, there was this teacher, Mrs. Gibbs, who represented what I wanted to be like as an adult. And although I was never in her class, she had a profound impact on my life. We must be ever vigilant to lead by example.”

The most important thing, is “loving our children”, said Hill. “I interviewed every one of my teachers during the selection process this summer. Caring and compassion were qualities I looked for in an instructor. That is most important.”

For many students at Caldwell-Guthrie, impoverished and dysfunctional home environments come with the territory.

“We want school to be a different place from what their home life is. A nurturing classroom is highly conducive to learning,” said Hill. “Education is not an ‘adult comfort’ profession. Our children are the most important people. We are here to ensure their success, both at this school and beyond.”

Recipe for successful students

Five major elements are involved in a youngster’s academic success, said Hill. They are: (1) self-discipline; (2) practicing good listening skills; (3) following through to completion all assigned tasks; (4) preparedness for each school day; and (5) self-motivation.

“Not only must we teach the prescribed curriculum, but strategies must be in place to help a student develop these qualities. I know we can do it,” she said.

Demanding but fair, Hill has earned the respect and admiration of her staff.

First-grade teacher Tammy Midgett said, “Our principal is committed to making the learning experience at Caldwell-Guthrie meaningful to the students we serve. Her support and encouragement has generated high morale and a growing excitement for what this school year holds.”

Said Midgett, “We are the Caldwell-Guthrie scribes and we expect great things from our children. Ms. Hill leads by example. I have no doubt that we will exceed projected goals because of our team effort. This is a great place to be.”