Throughout their school years, students are faced with countless paths to take and are often unsure of the ins and outs of any given profession—be it business leader, executive producer, or even elected official. For the twenty-third consecutive year, the nationally recognized program known as “Principal For a Day” continued to inspire students on Tuesday, providing a real-world perspective for their future endeavors.
More than 200 civic leaders were on the ground at several Dallas ISD campuses to interact with students eager to learn about the professional world. Leaders in the Dallas workforce stepped out of their day-to-day routines to give their time to students by explaining what they do, how they got there, and what it’s really like to be in the workforce, offering a personal, memorable experience for the kids.
“Seeing so many smiling faces just really brightened my day,” said Brittney Ynfante, Business Operations divisional coordinator at CBRE: Global Commercial Real Estate Services. “I think people don’t realize what’s happening in the classrooms, and we miss that engagement. You need to be a witness to what’s actually happening in the classroom, and those interactions are needed for social development in students.”
Principal for a Day is not only a special day for students, but also a field trip for the city’s honorary principals. The event is primarily intended for civic and business leaders to foster connections with their campuses in hopes that they can organize future opportunities for students.
“It’s important for educators to know we care about what they do every day,” said Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO. “This is some of the most important work that is done on the planet, and I know that personally, the role educators played in my life is invaluable. This is a way to let them know we see you, we care about you, but we’re also here to invest in you. This day, for me, is to say, ‘Tell me what you need, because the Mavs are right there to step up and help.’”
The guest principals could also get the chance to give morning announcements over the school’s intercom, listen in on a student council meeting, or give an Algebra I test their best shot. And they closed the day with a reception that included remarks from Superintendent of Schools Stephanie S. Elizalde, Ed.D.
“Principal For A Day is really important,” said Amani Thomas, of the nonprofit organization, The New Teacher Project. “First, for civic leaders to really have an understanding of what education looks like on a day-to-day basis, I think it’s important for us to not just give back to our communities and give back to our schools, but really try to advocate for more equitable funding for schools.”
“We should all be aware of how much goes into making sure the schools are run properly and how much work is put in by the principals, assistant principals, the office staff, and teachers. We just don’t realize how much work is put into our children and the loving and tenderness and care that takes place in the school”
-J-Si Chavez from KiddNation, said.
