Tameka Hamilton

Three Points Elementary School
Orlando, Florida
tameka.hamilton@ocps.net

Best Practices

1) Assistant Principal’s Role as Instructional Leader: Three Points Elementary, is a small Title I neighborhood school with a large ELL population. Many of our students and families dually combat the challenges of generational poverty and cultural assimilation, things that I have experienced myself. “Who dares to teach, must never cease to learn.” is a quote that I live by. As I have acquired a B.S. degree in Elementary Education, M.S. degree in Exceptional Student Education, an Ed.S. Degree in Educational Leadership, and recently a B.A.S. in Interior Design, I’m always willing to learn and have gained much knowledge of many elements through education. I think that in any profession, continuous learning is an essential element towards not only staying highly informed and aware of consistent and relevant changes but it is also essential towards effectively implementing applicable and innovative modifications to enhance individual productivity and also enrich the overall efficiency of the organization. Born to and raised by a single parent (an 18-year-old Bahamian immigrant with only a tenth-grade education, and who has spent the last 38 years working as a cook in a nursing home) has been motivation for me to continue to use education to flourish and give back. My mother raised my brother and I as a single parent in Belle Glade, Florida, a small town, known vastly for its rich farming soil and football legends. Growing up in Belle Glade exposed me to the reality of how my mom’s lack of education couldn’t provide more in such meager conditions. However, it also instilled in me a driving force to use education as the catalyst towards achieving more, as there were many educated individuals that consistently and passionately gave back to the youth of the community. The adults that gave back gave me a sense of hope and it’s that sense of hope which led me to obtain my various educational degrees.

The faculty and staff at Three Points Elementary are the backbone of these students and families, providing support through education and community involvement. The 2021-2022 school year was my first year as assistant principal at Three Points Elementary, and I began the school year determined to nurture a climate of teamwork and perseverance, especially after returning from the virtual learning option caused by the COVID19 pandemic. I came in with an optimistic spirit, and I learned of my new surroundings. Through collaboration with faculty, staff, and families, Three Points Elementary pointed a bit higher at the end of the school year and I’m proud to have used my knowledge and sense of hope to foster a climate of growth for a year of possibilities.

2) Teacher and Staff Development: Daily, I constructed critical relationships with stakeholders, parents, students, faculty, and staff by being transparent, flexible, consistent, patient, and hardworking. I did so by being visible and accessible before and after school to all, effectively disaggregating data and creating innovative and engaging lessons with teachers in PLCs, and giving extra time towards scholastics during Saturday School and Spring Break Camp. I also used my educational prowess and skilled expertise in Math content and instruction. I developed and implemented curriculum and facilitated professional development and training of a school wide Mathematics Close-Read instruction.