Rochester World of Inquiry School Principal Receives State Honor

ALBANY, NY (03/24/2017) (readMedia)-- Sheelarani Webster, kindergarten-12 principal of the World of Inquiry School #58 in the Rochester City School District, has been selected as the recipient of the 2017 K-12 Building Principal Award by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS).

The K-12 Building Principal Award was created to recognize the unique characteristics of a K-12 building and the related demands, expectations, and challenges of a principal in this multi-level environment. It is given annually to a SAANYS member who is a successful K-12 principal, a recognized educational leader, and who demonstrates leadership in establishing the pace, character, and mission of the building and demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness in providing comprehensive programs and services for all levels and grades.

Webster has been the principal at the World of Inquiry School since 2010 but has deep roots in its unique learning environment, starting there as a teacher over 20 years ago. The school began as a K-6 school and has grown out into a K-12 using the EL Education approach since 2002. The growth was purposeful, using EL to "put the inquiry back into World of Inquiry." The school is focused on the values of tenacity, inquiry, compassion, self-discipline, and integrity and Webster is known for her empowerment of teacher leadership and trust to make this vision a reality for the entire school community.

"We have a school work plan that outlines what a rigorous approach for education looks like at our school and Sheela is tenacious about analyzing data that provide evidence as to whether or not the plan is being implemented with fidelity," commented teachers in a letter of support. "The fact that we have almost 100 percent retention... and a graduation rate of 90 percent... is strong evidence that her approach is working." The school also boasts a 100 percent college acceptance rate for its graduates.

Webster has won the hearts of her students along the way. "Mrs. Webster is making Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream come true because she is loving, caring, and respectful," said a student. "She never gives up on us and she believes in all of us and our school."

Webster will be honored for her accomplishments at an awards ceremony on May 5 in Albany, New York.

SAANYS represents nearly 7,200 school administrators, supervisors, and coordinators. As a professional association, SAANYS is committed to providing direction, service, and support to the membership in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. SAANYS is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

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