Not for the first time in his career, Dr. Donald Thornton is embracing Ӱרgood scary.Ӱר
As the principal for WestminsterӰרs new upper school on its Lafayette campus, Thornton is aware of the gravity of his position but says his years of experience in the public school system, as well as his education from the Ӱר, have prepared him for the task ahead.
ӰרAll the things weӰרre doing, we have to take very seriously. While Westminster has been here 40 years, weӰרre now setting the cornerstones for the next 40 years,Ӱר he says.
ӰרEverything we do the first year is going to establish the culture and tradition of this school. ItӰרs something we talk about in the masterӰרs and doctorate program Ӱר how the decisions you make, how the policies that exist, how all of that changes culture.Ӱר
Thornton earned his from UL Lafayette in 2008 after five years teaching social studies at Comeaux High.
Through the program, he saw an opportunity to broaden his opportunities as an educator.
ӰרI thought that would be more beneficial to me because it opened up the door for any leadership position I wanted to look at down the road in the school system,Ӱר he says. ӰרWe worked hard. There was a great mix of philosophy and practical applications.Ӱר
As Thornton began looking into assistant principal openings, he already had experience presenting, breaking down data, and technical writing Ӱר all skills heӰרd need as assistant principal at Lafayette High, then Paul Breaux, and then Lafayette Middle School.
Meanwhile, he enrolled in the ӰרӰרs program. As a first-generation college student, embarking on his terminal degree was scary, he says, but in a good way.
ӰרI was fueled by two things: I wanted to eventually teach at the university level and personal pride,Ӱר Thornton says. ӰרI was the first one in my family to get a four-year degree, and I took it as a personal challenge to keep going.
ӰרIt helps when youӰרre a big nerd for learning. It was an easy decision.Ӱר
Thornton has spent the last few years as principal at Lafayette High while fulfilling his goal to teach at the university through the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program.
The program has seen a few changes since Thornton was a student, including moving from a fully on-campus program to a hybrid format. Students are only in class once a week, with the remainder of their coursework online.
ӰרWith the hybrid classes, it gives you a little more flexibility and lightens the load a little during that workweek,Ӱר Thornton says. ӰרI think itӰרs very beneficial to working teachers, and something IӰרve always applauded UL for.
ӰרThey really cater to you as a working professional, and they respect that you have a full-time job, but that doesnӰרt mean that they lower standards. They want to see you develop and become a great administrator, and they really work with you on that.Ӱר
Having achieved several personal and professional goals, Thornton had the opportunity to fulfill one more: serve as principal for a brand-new school.
Westminster Christian Academy has offered pre-k through sixth grade in Lafayette, but families wishing to continue with the school had to do so through the Opelousas campus. The schoolӰרs Board of Directors made the move last year to expand the Lafayette campusӰר offerings to include an upper school, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.
ӰרI really feel this is where I need to be. ItӰרs an exciting opportunity here in Lafayette,Ӱר Thornton says. ӰרI learned a lot from time in the public school system, but IӰרm carrying out my dream of starting a new school.Ӱר
Thornton says heӰרll also have a new perspective to offer future administrators in the Educational Leadership program.
ӰרIt adds a whole new level,Ӱר he says. ӰרWhen weӰרre teaching processes, procedures, and law, you have the added element of how itӰרs different at private institutions Ӱר how they pass policies, what dictates policies.
ӰרOverall, itӰרs going to enrich the studentsӰר experience.Ӱר
Meanwhile, Thornton and his team have a lot to do before students begin classes in August.
ӰרItӰרs a good scary,Ӱר he says. ӰרWe have a tremendous responsibility before us. IӰרm trying to take it head on and build around me strong leaders, whether theyӰרre teachers or other positions on campus, so we can ensure a successful first year and beyond.
ӰרItӰרs going to be a really good challenge.Ӱר
Prepare for your next career challenge through the ӰרӰרs hybrid Educational Leadership program or the fully online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist concentration. today.