Allan Cameron
Principal
Year Honored: 2012
Deerfield Elementary SchoolWestwood, MA
At the time of the Award, Allan Cameron was:
PrincipalDeerfield Elementary School
Westwood, MA
Subject(s) taught: General Elementary
Grade(s): K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Biographical Information
A former Boston College practicum instructor and Army
National Guard veteran who led the "about-face" at
Deerfield Elementary School in Westwood, Massachusetts,
Principal Dr. Allan Cameron is a clear-cut winner. With
growth and achievement at the top of his list, failure—
for students or for staff—is never an option. “A rare
educator for whom theory and practice are seamlessly
integrated” is just one of many comments on his
professionalism.
Discipline problems are no longer an issue at
Deerfield, which has turned around since Cameron came
on board. He greets every boy and girl each morning,
knows their academic strengths and weaknesses, visits
classrooms regularly and even teaches lessons. He also
established a successful professional learning
community focused on common planning time and support.
Fastidious in his pursuit of continuous improvement,
Cameron distributes an anonymous feedback survey to
assess his performance. And in a weekly staff
newsletter, he shares examples of best practices that
he has observed among his talented staff.
Students are the ultimate beneficiaries of this
schoolwide culture of excellence. For three years in a
row, Deerfield student achievement scores have been
tops in Massachusetts in most categories for grades 3
and 5. Overall, 2011 MCAS data show a 95 percent
proficient rate in reading and an 89 percent proficient
rate in math.
Among his many other leadership activities, Cameron led
the district's kindergarten committee in expanding the
program to a full day, and is the Mentor Program
leader, teaming up veteran teachers with those new to
the profession.
