Leading the way at A.G.

Susan E. Bridges, principal at A.G. Richardson Elementary School, recently learned that she was named one of seven people chosen for Transformational Leaders Across America, a program by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

“I’m so honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Bridges. “Honestly, I just feel like I’m doing what I love, and I am so privileged to be in a school where I can do just that.”

As part of NAESP’s leadership academy, which sets the standard for principal professional development, this initiative recognizes principals who have distinguished themselves in shaping long-term school improvement.

Bridges will receive a scholarship and be honored at the NAESP’s 2010 annual convention and exposition next month in Houston.

Superintendent Bobbi Johnson said Bridges is very deserving of this recognition.

“She has impressed me with her focus on digging deep into the data to make sure that individual student achievement is as important as overall student achievement,” Johnson said. “She is very involved with the NAESP as well as Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. This involvement allows her to share her expertise with others and to bring good ideas back to the division.”

Bridges will facilitate a session at NAESP’s convention April 11 at 8 a.m., examining how to use data-based instructional interventions to meet student needs, and she will participate in a panel discussion with other transformational leaders April 10 at 3 p.m.

“Making a presentation before several hundred principals from across the nation is a bit daunting, I must admit, but it’s exciting nonetheless. I’m very, very grateful for this opportunity,” Bridges said.

Gail Connelly, NAESP executive director, applauded the seven principals for “catalyzing school improvement and excelling at NAESP standards.”

“At a time when educators are under immense pressure to increase student achievement, we’re pleased to shine a spotlight on principals who have demonstrated the vision, courage and professional knowledge necessary to cultivate high achieving schools,” Connelly said.

Bridges guided A.G. Richardson through a redistricting process that replaced 50 percent of her student population. She helped organize a process of data collection to re-establish appropriate instruction and curriculum and to assess deficits based on the needs and achievement levels of all the students, according to an NAESP news release. As a result of her work, student test scores in grades 3 to 5 are in the 80 percent range.