Spotlight: Kendra Randle (IN '23)

Indiana Milken Educator Kendra Randle is a kindergarten through sixth grade executive principal at Adelante Schools’ Emma Donnan Campus. Randle leads by supporting classroom teachers and implementing strategic plans for school growth. She’s driven by a deep commitment to make a difference in the lives of her students. “Teaching requires a heart fully committed to supporting students in every aspect of their lives.” Randle received a 2023-24 Milken Educator Award in Indianapolis on November 8, 2023.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise? 

Since my Milken Educator Award surprise, my students have been incredibly excited and supportive. It's heartwarming to see their enthusiasm. Some of them don't fully grasp the significance of the award, and they jokingly treat me like a celebrity, which I find amusing. On the day I was honored, many of my students were emotional and even shed tears with me. Their reaction was a mix of joy and shock, just like mine. It's been a special experience to share this moment with them.  
 
MFF: Who are your role models as an educator? Is there an experience you had in the classroom as a student that shaped who you are as an educator? 

I've been fortunate to have many role models who have significantly influenced my educational career, but my greatest role models are my parents, Linda Randle and Kenneth Randle. They instilled in me the values of resilience, patience, perseverance, and commitment, which have deeply shaped who I am as an educator. 

One experience that profoundly impacted me occurred during my senior year of high school when my father fell seriously ill. The suddenness of his illness left me overwhelmed with emotion, and I didn't know where to turn. I found solace in my AP Literature and Composition teacher, Ms. Pamela Fischer. In a moment of deep vulnerability, I broke down in her classroom, and she comforted me, allowing me to cry in her arms for as long as I needed. She became more than just a teacher that day—she was a lifeline, a reminder that educators are not just providers of academic instruction but also vital support systems for their students. 

This experience taught me the importance of building genuine relationships with those you educate and showed me that teaching requires a heart fully committed to supporting students in every aspect of their lives. It’s a lesson I carry with me in my own teaching journey, and I strive to be that same source of support for my students, just as Ms. Fischer was for me when I needed it the most. 

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching and/or administration. What memories stand out? Who or what helped you through it? 

People often say that your first year of teaching is your hardest, but my experience was quite different. My first year at Promise Academy Charter School in Memphis, Tennessee, was incredibly rewarding thanks to the tremendous support and guidance I received. My school principal, Dr. Kiasi Malone, provided invaluable leadership. My coach, Monica McDaniel, offered continuous practice and reflection that helped me grow. I was also fortunate to observe and learn from my now-mentor, Kimbra McBride. These three women took me under their wing, pushed me to be my best, and helped me see potential in myself that I hadn’t recognized. Their support made my first year of teaching an enriching and formative experience. 

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?  

I hope my students remember that I was deeply committed to building authentic relationships with them, not just as academic scholars, but as individuals navigating life. I want them to carry forward the importance of treating others with love and kindness, understanding that everyone is facing their own challenges. Above all, I hope they remember that they have the power to achieve anything they set their minds to. When faced with obstacles or when someone says "no," I want them to see it as motivation to turn that "no" into a "yes" through perseverance and hard work. 
 
MFF: You helped implement a plan to increase growth in foundational literacy at your school. Can you tell us a little more about the vision behind this and how it has gone so far?  

When I think about the success of our foundational literacy initiative, one name stands out: Christina "Chrissy" Franz, our chief literacy officer. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving the remarkable growth we've seen. Chrissy developed and continuously refined systems that have significantly enhanced both the quality of teachers' explicit instruction and student outcomes. She educated our entire staff, including myself, on the Science of Reading, ensuring that it became an integral part of our daily classroom practices across all subject areas. Working closely with her—through walkthroughs, observing lesson internalizations, and analyzing student data—has been key to building a robust foundational literacy program at our school. Our growth and achievements are a direct result of her unwavering dedication and hard work. 
 
MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers? 

To those considering a career in teaching, I would say this: Teaching is more than just a profession; it's a calling. As both a current school leader and a former classroom teacher, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact a teacher can have on the lives of students. It’s a role that demands passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. 

Before stepping into this journey, ask yourself why you want to become a teacher. If your answer is centered around a genuine desire to inspire, uplift, and guide young minds, then you’re entering this profession for the right reasons. Teaching is about more than delivering lessons; it's about building relationships, fostering growth, and helping students see their own potential—even when they can't see it themselves. 

There will be challenges—days when the work feels overwhelming or when progress seems slow. But remember, the impact you make as a teacher extends far beyond the classroom. You are shaping the future, one student at a time. The rewards of this profession are found in the small victories: the moment a student grasps a difficult concept, the confidence they build over time, and the lasting relationships you form. 

So, my advice is to know your "why," stay true to it, and let it guide you through the highs and lows of this journey. If you enter this profession with a heart full of purpose and dedication to your students, you will not only find fulfillment but will also leave a legacy that endures.