Paramount Principals

Two St. Charles administrators vie for state ‘Principal of the Year’

The title of state “Principal of the Year” is a prestigious one, and two St. Charles Parish principals have a shot at winning it.

J.B. Martin Middle School principal Erin Raiford is in the running at the junior high level along with Allemands Elementary principal Marsha Walters representing the parish at the elementary level.

“I was honored to be selected to represent such a great district and such a devoted group of administrators,” said Raiford. “There are so many aspects of my job that are rewarding, but experiencing student achievement first-hand on a day-to-day basis is the most rewarding.”

Raiford first became a part of the school district as a teacher at J.B. Martin Middle School. After six years, she moved on as administrative assistant at Mimosa Park Elementary and then assistant principal at Albert Cammon Middle School.

Raiford, who has been principal at J.B. Martin since 2004, says that the most challenging part of her job is balancing it all.

“Balancing my personal life and school life has been the most challenging,” she said. “Although my family is supportive of all that I do, I often have to remind myself or be reminded that I do have a life outside of school.”

As a product of the St. Charles Parish Public School System, both as an educator and a student, Raiford says that her motivation to become a principal stems from the teachers that educated her.

“I have always been surrounded by incredible teachers, administrators and district leaders,” she said. “It’s their efforts and expectations that have inspired me to be an effective leader that is committed to the high level of excellence that our district demonstrates.”

There are many experiences that go along with overseeing a school each day, but this year Raiford says it was her school’s state-wide testing results that stand out.

“While I have had many awesome experiences as a teacher and principal, I must say that one of the the most recent was opening this year’s test results,” she continued. “Receiving statewide test scores each year is always unnerving, but this year, our scores rocked!

“I was so proud of our students for working so hard and elated for the faculty and staff that their tireless efforts in increasing student achievement paid off. They work so hard.”

Raiford says that being an educator is a life-long commitment and has a bit a advice for those considering the field.

“If you want to have a fulfilling, yet challenging career where your efforts make a difference in the life of a child, then teaching is for you.”

Raiford attributes her success to a number of factors, stating that sometimes “it takes a village to shape a successful middle school principal.”

“My success can be attributed to many factors – a supportive family, a devoted district that has given me countless opportunities, a faculty and staff that is passionate about our students and committed to continuous improvement, and incredible students and stakeholders.”

At Allemands, Walters is rounding out her ninth year as a principal for the school district.

“I was genuinely honored and overwhelmed to receive this recognition,” said Walters. “Loving what I do and knowing that what I do every day really matters is the most rewarding part of my job.”

Walters first started out in the teaching field as a special education teacher at Norco Elementary.

After 19 years there, she went on to become administrative assistant at Allemands Elementary and New Sarpy Elementary, followed by serving as principal at Lakewood Elementary for five years and now back at Allemands as principal for three.

Walters says that the most challenging part of her job has been implementing new endeavors.

“The hardest part of my job comes along when a faculty member is apprehensive about trying a new strategy we are considering,” she said. “Some people just fear change. They panic over having to move outside of their comfort zone.”

The best part of Walters experience as a parish educator has been the ability to see the kids she has taught achieve greatness.

“I have always taught academically at-risk students and my most rewarding experience is to see them graduate and become a productive citizen,” said Walters. “To know that I have helped them along the way is a feeling unlike any other.”

Walters attributes her success in the education field to sticking true to her beliefs.

“As principal, I strive to create a culture of high expectations and high performance for our teachers, our students and myself. I have always put values first and every decision is made with my values in mind,” she said. “I also make sure that everyone understands my values. Then I focus on guiding our staff to practice the values. I must ‘walk the talk’ if I expect everyone to sincerely follow my lead.”

And her advice to others is simple.

“Keep a willing heart, a positive attitude and a desire to make a difference.”