Since 2012 Bonnie Wilson has served as Principal of Hampton Elementary School (HES) in Hampton, SC. HES, according to federal reporting requirements, has exceeded state and federal expectations. Wilson and her staff believe in continuous growth and strive each day to be better than they were the day before. Wilson believes as research indicates that during the school day, the quality of the classroom teacher is the number one factor driving student achievement. Wilson believes a key to their school’s success is following the TAP model, The System for Teacher and Student Advancement. Through this model her teachers have shared leadership opportunities with commensurate pay; weekly on-site professional development embedded within the school day; fair evaluations based on clearly defined, research-based standards; and performance-based compensation tied to responsibilities, instructional performance and student achievement growth. Wilson also believes principals and teachers should be enthusiastic and passionate about their work. Each morning Wilson encourages her students over the intercom with an inspiring quote, challenge for the day, and celebration of success, an idea she got after reading an article about a fellow MEA. Wilson serves as a mentor to aspiring principals. Prior to going to HES, Wilson had little experience in primary grades when she was asked to serve as principal of Ben Hazel Primary School in Hampton, South Carolina, but that proved to be no barrier to fostering high student achievement. Formerly a high school teacher, Wilson quickly learned the state's primary-level curriculum standards and engaged in collaborative planning to improve instruction. With a strong curriculum background and expertise in building and sustaining collaboration among stakeholders, Wilson helped Ben Hazel consistently achieve Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind. Each year, Wilson set a challenging goal for the school to achieve, and every one of those goals were realized, from becoming an Exemplary Writing School on its first application, to being named a Red Carpet School by the South Carolina Department of Education, to being named one of four RTI demonstration sites in South Carolina. Wilson served on several school leadership teams at the South Carolina Department of Education and is a member of Hampton School District One's Strategic Planning Team. She also serves on the district's discipline policy committee, and has served on various district-level curriculum review committees. Wilson starts every faculty meeting with a "Glow and Grow" moment, recognizing a teacher for an outstanding achievement while highlighting areas of improvement. "Glow and grow" is precisely what she has helped students and staff do.
I am so thankful to be a part of the MFF/MEA/TAP networks. It is such a wonderful opportunity to be linked to amazing educators with such a wealth of information who are willing to share and develop others. We all have the same goal of helping our students achieve at very high levels. The collaboration MFF makes possible and promotes is invaluable.
1991 Charleston Southern University, B.A.
M.Ed The Citadel
