Roosevelt’s Principal Honored as Principal of the Year

Terry Houston had a challenge on his hands when he started as principal at Roosevelt High School in the fall of 2006. Test scores were among the lowest in the city and the school was rife with gang problems. But the staff at Roosevelt says Houston has brought a new spirit to the school on the city’s south side. Attendance is up, students are in class on time and they are being challenged with powerful and purposeful lesson plans.

That’s why Houston has been named Teach For America’s St. Louis Outstanding Principal of the Year.

Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates and professionals of all academic majors and career interests who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools. There are 136 first and second year Teach For America corps members teaching in 47 schools in St. Louis City.

Houston was nominated by Teach For America corps members at his school and received a plaque and gift card from a Teach For America donor at their recent holiday celebration.

Teach For America corps members praised Houston for both his spirit and perseverance.

Corps member Jason Growe remembers when Houston arrived at Roosevelt in October of 2006. “The expectations for the Roosevelt community were made clear from day one,” Growe said. “Students were expected to attend school, show up on time, engage in lessons, and show respect to others. Teachers were encouraged to plan in advance, execute interactive lessons, and show students they care by attending out-of-school events such as athletic contests and school dances. After all, Mr. Houston always says, ‘Students don't care about how much you know. They want to know how much you care.’

In his nomination letter, Growe also cited Houston for helping to establish the Roosevelt Community Council -- a group that meets frequently to discuss how to improve the school’s environment. The council has put on events such as Roosevelt's "Day of Love,"
an in-school barbecue, tailgates before football games, and an after-school activities program.

Kate Flynn, another Teach For America corps member, added: “Mr. Houston is a constant presence in the classroom. He walks the halls and pops into classrooms to conduct observations on a daily basis and is always encouraging to both teachers and students.
“Mr. Houston strikes the perfect principal-balance between giving the students tough love and making sure that they are getting everything they need to succeed in school. From the top down, Mr. Houston is working to give students at Roosevelt focus, direction, and motivation while also giving teachers, support and encouragement.”

St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Diana Bourisaw said Houston’s recognition from Teach For America is well deserved. “Terry’s work has made a profound impact on Roosevelt and so many of the students there. He has made us all proud.”

This is the second year that Teach For America - St. Louis has honored a St. Louis principal. Each honoree is recognized for his or her dedication to close the achievement gap at their schools, going above and beyond to support our teachers in their classrooms and for working effectively with Teach For America staff members. Last year, Alva Blue, principal at Long Middle School received the inaugural honor.

To learn more about Teach For America visit www.teachforamerica.org.