Name: Jamel Lawera
Age: 38
School: Principal at
Background: Leading a school for the first time brings awesome responsibilities, but make no bones about it: Jamel Lawera said he is delighted with those challenges.
Appointed to lead Salina Intermediate last month after the Dearborn School Board approved his promotion, Lawera said the time was right for him to take on this new role.
“I felt I was ready at this time to be a principal,” said Lawera, who began his career with Dearborn Schools in 1998. “I have many goals for the school, and I’m confident we can meet them.”
Lawera’s teaching career began after he attended Wayne State University, where he earned a bachelor’s of science degree and eventually, a master’s in educational leadership.
Lawera has taught at a handful of facilities within Dearborn Schools. A big change came when he was appointed as administrative intern at , which was a specially created position.
Thereafter, Lawera served as an assistant principal at the and Elementary schools, and then held the same position at Salina Intermediate.
In addition to his education and work experience, Lawera has taken several additional courses offered by professional organizations to prepare him for the position he holds today.
Goals and aspirations: Lawera said many people may think being a principal essentially removes that person away from children, but the way he sees it, leading a school should mean more interaction with students.
“As a teacher you may have 25 to 30 students that you’re working with for an entire year,” he said. “But as a principal, you have all of the students.
“It’s essential to be visible as a principal, and to be familiar with the students,” Lawera added. “Visibility, and providing leadership for the staff and the students, is extremely important.”
Increasing student achievement is a major goal for Lawera. He said implementing programs that provide positive behavioral and educational support will be cornerstone of meeting that goal.
“These strategies have been proven to help students meet expectations,” he said. “It helps students understand what’s expected, and it provides the support they need to be able to meet goals.”
