James C. Brown, Ph.D.
Assistant Executive Director
Year Honored: 1996
Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ AssociationMarlborough, MA
At the time of the Award, James C. Brown, Ph.D. was:
PrincipalWashington Oak Elementary School
Coventry, RI
Biographical Information
"An important aspect of the work of a school principal is to recognize, encourage and support the leadership of others within the school community, including students, teachers, staff, and parents," says Dr. James Brown, the Assistant Executive Director for the Massachusetts Elementary School Principals' Association in Marlborough. Under his leadership when he was principal of Washington Oak School in Coventry, the school developed model programs in several areas. A program for the inclusion of special needs students in the regular classroom resulted in increased self-confidence, respect and appreciation of diversity, and improved relationships among all members of the school community. The Family Center, a volunteer-staffed facility, assisted teachers and offered parent workshops, adult computer classes, pre-school activities, and GED preparation classes, and helped pave the way for increased and significant family and community involvement in the school. In an effort to strengthen student writing skills, professional development opportunities were provided in the writing process; time was allocated for teacher collaboration on the development of grade level standards and rubrics; and the Paradise Publishing Company, a children's publishing center staffed by teachers and parents, was opened to celebrate students' successes.