Shelby County Schools is home to Tennessee’s 2016-2017 principal of the year.

Middle College High School principal Docia Generette-Walker received the award Monday night in Nashville. Generette-Walker has been leading Middle College for five years. Under her guidance, the school has been recognized as a reward school for academic performance and named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Middle College students, faculty and parents suprised Principal Generette-Walker Wednesday morning with a huge celebration when she returned to school. 

We spoke with Principal Generette-Walker about the honor of being nominated for Principal of the Year.

 What does the nomination mean to you as an educator?  

Our team of teachers and support staff works extremely hard to make sure every student meets rigorous growth and achievement goals each year. This nomination validates our work and motivates us to continue to learn and grow.

Why did you become an educator? 

"What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all of its children" is a quote by Dewey that has greatly influenced my career in education. I saw a need for good schools in my community and decided to become a teacher. A few years later, I saw a need for good leaders in my district and decided to start the journey to school leadership.

Who has been your greatest mentor?

 I started my first official leadership role in Memphis as a New Leaders for New Schools Resident Principal at Kingsbury High School in 2007. Dr. Terrence Brown was my assigned Mentor Principal.  Through his coaching I gained valuable leadership skills and developed into an extremely reflective practitioner. He continues to be one of my most valuable thought partners today.

What is the toughest thing educators face today?

Our toughest challenge is making sure we have a quality teacher in every classroom. Now more than ever, we have more rigorous state standards and students who come to us with an array of educational needs.

What is your best piece of advice for new teachers across the nation?

Start working with and learning from other teachers immediately. Building strong cultures of collaboration within and among schools is the cornerstone of educating every student. And always remember, not only is this one of the most demanding jobs on the planet, it is also one of the most rewarding. 

Principal Generette-Walker was one of nine nominees from across the state up for the award.