Though this year marks her first year leading Virginia Williamson Elementary School, the first day of school marked the beginning of Principal Shirley Williamson’s 33rd year in education.
Williamson is one of five principals in their first year at various schools in Brunswick County.
In addition to Williamson, principals in their first year at a new school include Brock Ahrens, West Brunswick High School; David Ruth, South Brunswick Middle School; Kelly Andrews, Supply Elementary School; and Walker Constantinesco, Town Creek Elementary School.
Between them, these principals have 113 years of education experience under their belts, and many of them were principals at other schools in the district before joining their new schools.
For Williamson, her guiding philosophy as principal is that everybody does whatever it takes at the school for students to succeed. And when Williamson says everybody, she means everybody at the school, regardless of his or her role on campus.
“We do whatever it takes to reach all the children here. Everybody in the building—everybody does whatever it takes,” Williamson said.
Williamson’s goal as principal at Virginia Williamson Elementary School is to have teachers and staff adopt the same sense of responsibility for the students’ education and success, and “to see themselves as a unit headed in the same direction.”
Williamson credits the staff with embracing her vision through the school’s professional learning communities, known as PLCs.
“They formed their PLCs, and collaborated about the change. The teachers are excited about teaching. They’re ready. It’s that team and the work they’re doing within the building,” Williamson said about staff development.
Safety is Williamson’s No. 1 priority at Virginia Williamson Elementary School.
“Whatever decision you make should be based on having a safe and orderly environment, safe and nurturing environment and safe and caring environment, from the staff down to the children,” Williamson said.
