Aspiring Principal’s Institute Graduate Becomes First Female Worthing Principal
It’s been more than half a century since HISD’s Evan E. Worthing High School first opened its doors in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood—and now, for the first time in that campus’ long and illustrious history, the school’s top administrative position will be held by a woman.
Tamara Sterling, a recent graduate of Professional Development Services’ Aspiring Principal’s Institute, will become Worthing’s eighth principal this fall when she assumes her new role at the school in August. All seven of the school’s previous principals were men.
“I’m humbled to be the first woman principal at Evan E. Worthing High School,” said Sterling. “When I walk the halls, I feel the tradition and legacy of the great leaders who have led before me. I’m excited to begin a new era of leadership and hope to develop Worthing into a school that will rival the finest secondary institutions in the nation.”
Sterling began her career with HISD in 1996 as a substitute teacher, and completed her teaching certification in Special Education through the Region IV Alternative Certification Program. She received her master’s degree in education from Prairie View A&M University and participated in the New Leaders for New Schools principal fellowship program in Chicago, Illinois.
Sterling has taught at HISD’s Thomas Edison, William Holland, and Sharpstown Middle Schools and Phillis Wheatley High School. In Chicago, she served as an administrator at Manley High School and the Reavis Math and Science Specialty School, as well as the principal at the Simeon Career Academy High School. Under Sterling’s leadership, Simeon saw increases not only in its students’ ACT scores, but also in its graduation rate, freshman on-track rate, Advanced Placement course enrollment, parent involvement, and the number of students attending four-year colleges.
“Ms. Sterling is a visionary and transformative leader,” said April Ervin, former executive director of New Leaders for New Schools. “She visualizes what can be and she maps her plans out with students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members to promote positive changes that enrich the lives of children. I’ve witnessed her taking a school from 247 graduates to 361 in less than two years. She is a dedicated leader and will inspire everyone that she works with to believe that all things are possible.”
Other Aspiring Principal Institute interns who have recently been hired to fill positions of leadership at HISD campuses include:
- Ralph Butler, Dean of Students, Chávez High
- Dr. Danette Maldonado, Principal, Wharton Elementary
- Claudia González, Principal, Poe Elementary
- Silvio Leiva, Assistant Principal, Sharpstown High
- Carlos Lewis, Jr., Assistant Principal, Stevenson Middle
- Armando Lujan, Principal, Roosevelt Elementary
- Lisa McClinton, Principal, Crawford Elementary
- Andre Mathews, Assistant Principal, Worthing High
- Josefa Olivares, Principal, Bonner Elementary
- Shawna Punch, Principal, Daily Elementary
- Deborah Russell, Principal, Briargrove Elementary
- Staci Taylor-Fullmighter, Principal, Whidby Elementary
More than 25 graduates of the Aspiring Principals’ Institute have landed leadership roles in HISD schools since the program’s inception in 2008. “We are very excited about being a part of a project that provides top-quality, well-prepared leaders for our schools,” said Assistant Superintendent of Professional Development Services Sharon Koonce.
The Aspiring Principals’ Institute is now entering its second year of operation. For more information, visit the Office of Leadership Excellence Web site, or call 713-556-7102.
