Vermont Principal Michael Knox
Educator comes from a family of leaders
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| Scholastic Kid Reporters Desirae Colorado (left) and Kendra Perkins (right) with Michael Knox, Principal of Brighton Elementary School in Island Pond, Vermont, in January 2007. (Photo: Courtesy Desirae Colorado and Kendra Perkins). |
Michael Knox has an interesting history. His father was the first African-American child to enroll in an all-white school in Trenton, New Jersey. His uncle was the first African-American police chief in Trenton. Knox, who now lives in Vermont, grew up in New Jersey where he lived in a diverse community. In Vermont, he is principal of is Brighton Elementary School in Island Pond. He is a black principal in an almost totally white school.
Knox spoke to Scholastic News recently about his job in Vermont and why he is considered a role model.
Knox learned the importance of education at an early age. His mother worked as a security officer but was never promoted because she lacked a degree. In college, he was a soccer star. He also started substitute teaching. It was then that he realized he wanted to teach full-time.
Knox spent 10 years working as an educator in New Jersey. After two years as a vice-principal, he moved to Vermont.
“Ever since then, I’ve never looked back,” he said when asked about the change.
As a teacher, Knox said he always thought of himself as a leader.
“Now, as a principal, I think of myself still as a leader, but in a different capacity,” he said. Now, he says he is able to effect change through decision-making. Unlike before, he now has a more direct influence on policies and procedures.
“In terms of reaching out to parents and students, I love [my job as a principal]. That's my calling,” he said.
It is important for kids to have positive role models, he explained. They also need “to learn to have respect.”
Kids should also learn history and learn from history. Black History Month is a good time to study the fight for equality and to learn about African-American role models who have brought positive change to the world.
“Black History Month outlines history, and things that happened in the past that can help people in their future,” he told Scholastic News. He added that people should not only focus on Black History, but on other cultures and ethnic groups as well.
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Desirae Colorado is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
Kendra Perkins is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
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