2022 National Magnet Principal of the Year
BRENDAN MIMS
MS 358 Magnet Schools for STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning
NYC Community School District 28
Jamaica, New York
Brendan T. Mims is the founding principal of MS358 in Queens, NY. He founded MS358 to “motivate hearts, inspire minds, and change the world for the better.” He’s proud that through STEAM-based education and “passionate speaking, purposeful writing, and powerful presentation,” students can practice empathy and advocacy while proficiency rises. He believes that all students deserve a high-quality education and has worked to develop a culture that is inclusive, caring and committed to continual growth and excellence.
Principal Mims has developed a culture that is inclusive, caring, and dedicated to the idea that all students deserve a high quality education where they can thrive and achieve regardless of race, social status, gender, language, orientation, [nationality, religion, or ability. He works with outside organizations, arts partners, cultural institutions, higher education, and all school stakeholders to ensure that MS358 is a community where all students learn at high levels, feel welcomed and included, appreciate their own and other cultures, and work to promote justice and fairness in the school community and beyond.
Congratulations to our 2022 Regional Principals of the Year:
REGION I
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia
BRENDAN MIMS
MS 358 Magnet Schools for STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning
Theme(s): STEAM Exploration and Experiential Learning
Grade(s): 6-8
NYC Community School District 28
Jamaica, New York
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REGION II
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific
DEREK FIALKIEWICZ, ED.D.
Lied STEM Academy
Theme(s): S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Grade(s): 6-8
Clark County School District
Las Vegas, Nevada
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REGION III
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands
DR. SHONDA SHAW
ELITE SCHOLARS ACADEMY
Theme(s): Early College and Cambridge Assessment International Education
Grade(s): 6-12
Clayton County Public Schools
Jonesboro, Georgia
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REGION IV
Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International
ABBY STOTSENBERG
Vernon Malone College & Career Academy
Theme(s): College & Career Readiness
Grade(s): 9-12
Wake County Public School System
Raleigh, North Carolina
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REGION V
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
PATRICIA GALLEGOS
San Antonito STEM Magnet Elementary
Theme(s): S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Grade(s): K-5
Albuquerque Public Schools
Sandia Park, New Mexico
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REGION VI
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
MATT MALGET
Earhart Environmental Magnet Elementary
Theme(s): Environmental Science
Grade(s): K-5
Wichita Public Schools – USD 259
Wichita, Kansas