New Principal Profile: Dr. Ella Green, Glyndale Elementary School

Where did you get your degree(s)?
 
Associate's Degree in Education
Brunswick Jr. College (now College of Coastal Georgia)

Bachelor's Degree in Middle Grades Education
Armstrong Atlantic State University

Master's Degree in Education
(with an emphasis in Math, Language Arts, and Social Studies)
Georgia Southern University

Leadership Certification
Georgia Southern University

Doctorate in Education Administration
Georgia Southern University

Where have you taught? And for how long did you teach?
 
I spent 10 years in the classroom as a teacher at Risley Middle School. Since then, I have served in a number of capacities – from assistant principal to instructional coach – at Jane Macon Middle, Burroughs-Molette Elementary, Altama Elementary, Goodyear Elementary and Glyndale Elementary. I was also the interim coordinator for the district’s Curriculum and Instruction Department. All in all, I have about 30 years of experience in education.

When did you first know you wanted to be an educator?
 
My senior year in high school.

What inspired you to become a principal?
 
I became intrigued with the prospect of serving stakeholders in a greater educational capacity.
 
What is your own vision/mission for the school under your leadership, especially during these uncertain times?
 
Our Motto continues to be that we Act to Impact. This is supported by our Mission to educate our students through curiosity, character, and creativity. Our vision is to promote lifelong learning by nurturing our students and building a foundation of problem-solving, and confidence as they grow into their future. I add to this mission and vision the prospect of Glyndale Leading the Journey to Success… because Every Student Matters!
 
What most impresses you about your students and Glynn County Schools?
 
The students in Glynn County Schools impress me with their tenacity to learn and succeed regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. They are determined to move from better to best and they embrace our support as we endeavor to help them move forward.
 
What are your expectations for not only your staff and students but yourself as well?
 
My expectation is that we create a culture that allows our students to be successful in any arena through the skills and thought process that we teach them. The expectation for my staff is that they embrace the challenge to provide a successful educational journey for our students that will motivate them to persevere beyond the time that they spend with us. The expectation for myself is that I remain consistent in leading staff and students to achieve our mission and vision and provide the foundation to help staff and students reach beyond the goals that we have set for ourselves.
 
What does student success look like for you?
 
Student success looks like students who are thinking critically, exchanging ideas and confidently discussing current events and concepts with adults and peers. Student success looks like students who are motivated and extending their learning beyond the classroom.
 
Outside of school, where might students, parents or staff members run into you?
 
I love to shop, attend and sing in church, and spend time at the waterfront with family.
 
Anything else you’d like to add?
 
Life has meaning when we do not settle for less than we deserve. To quote civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin E. Mays: “It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disaster to be unable to capture your ideal, but it is a disaster to have no ideal to capture. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim is sin.”