TP: What is the main goal of an assistant principal?
Dr. Orange-Jones: An assistant principal has several roles that they fulfill in this position. But the main goal is to support the principal, ensuring that all students have a positive learning experience. All students are entitled to an education in an environment that addresses their learning needs, embraces their individual gifts and talents, nurtures their spirit and celebrates their diversity. In addition, the same can be said about teachers because an administrator also wants an environment that feeds teachers’ creativity. Thus, as assistant principal, it is my duty to help the principal create and maintain a positive culture and climate for all stakeholders in our school community.
TP: Why did you choose to work in West Orange? Why does West Orange stand out to you?
OJ: I am originally from Jersey City, NJ where I began my teaching career in 1997. Next, I spent a few years in Newark Public Schools. I came to West Orange Schools in 2003. What attracted me to West Orange Schools was the chance to assist the district’s mission of hiring more teachers of color. I attended a job fair at Washington School sponsored by the West Orange African Heritage Organization. I met Mr. Errol Scales who was the principal of Edison Middle School at the time and he introduced me to the principal of Pleasantdale School, now Kelly Elementary School. As a person of color, I had the chance to be in the presence of students of color who may not have had the opportunity to have a teacher of color. Representation is important and impactful. Further, I also had the chance to teach a diverse population of students and I also believe that makes for a richer educational experience as students learn about themselves and others in their community. West Orange is surely a melting pot, a stew rich with the flavors of a multicultural community and I enjoy being immersed in the community as an educator.
TP: What are the most important characteristics that should be present in a successful assistant principal?
OJ: Empathy and Understanding: When dealing with diverse student populations and addressing individual needs, a successful assistant principal should be empathetic and understanding.
Approachable: One must be approachable and able to connect with students. This will strengthen relationships between the assistant principal and the students at school.
Team player: A successful assistant principal must work with the principal and staff. Thus it is important that the assistant principal is flexible and willing to cooperate and collaborate with staff to ensure that there is a positive school culture and climate.
Flexibility: With each day, there comes some type of adventure or a potential challenge. Being flexible allows the assistant principal the chance to adapt to any situation when necessary.
Finally, a willingness to constantly learn new things is significant because the educational field is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the students. To be effective, one has to stay on the pulse of new innovations that could affect the educational field.
TP: What is your favorite part of your job?
OJ: My favorite part of my job is interacting with the students. At least once a day, I have a good laugh with the students in the hallway or in the cafeteria. We have some great conversations and get to know each other better. Communication is very important and we lose sight of that due to social media and texting. Human interaction is necessary especially with our youth. I want students to learn how to communicate in a positive and constructive way. That is why I enjoy interacting with students because I get the chance to watch them blossom and develop every single day!
TP: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
OJ: My greatest professional achievement is obtaining my doctoral degree from Rutgers University in May 2018. The memory of defending my dissertation still makes me smile. My greatest personal achievement is having a family. I never imagined that I would marry or have children. I have a great, supportive husband and while I don’t have any biological children, my stepdaughter checks every box and makes me feel like I am a great bonus mom every day!
TP: What message would you like to tell the readers?
OJ: Always lead with love. Always live your truth. Be kind to others because it doesn’t cost a thing. Don’t go to sleep angry and always wake up happy! Never give up. Maybe redirect, but never give up. And lastly, try to laugh every single day. Life is a gift. Unwrap it and enjoy it! “She believed she could, so she did.”
