Congratulations to Carey Fellows and Erica Basnight-Johnson, who were honored as our 2025 Elementary and Secondary Instructional Leaders of the Year!
The two were honored at HCPS' Leadership Summit this week at J.R. Tucker High School by Superintendent Amy Cashwell, Chief of School Leadership Ingrid Grant, Chief Learning Officer Lesley Hughes and dozens of school-based and department leadership teams in attendance.
Fellows, principal at Pinchbeck Elementary School, was commended for fostering a vibrant learning culture and achieving impressive student outcomes.
As a result of her leadership and collaboration with teachers, specialists and coaches, Pinchbeck's preliminary SOL scores are rising fast — for just one example, fourth grade reading scores are up 12%! She is a go-to resource for countless principals and former leaders seeking to brainstorm and problem solve.
"She consistently seeks feedback, reflects on her actions, and willing engages in tough conversations to ensure student success comes first. The school's culture and student data clearly demonstrate that kids are the top priority," Cashwell said.
Basnight-Johnson, a high school literacy specialist, was lauded for her unwavering commitment to every student and how her high standards have raised the bar at our high schools.
Basnight-Johnson seamlessly connects with the many schools, principals, departments and offices she collaborates with, and her steadfast approach to teaching curriculums has been instrumental in enhancing student learning outcomes, particularly in English education.
"Erica is a true partner, supporting directors, mentoring administrators and instructional specialists, and championing initiatives prioritizing student success. Her collaborative spirit and dedication have left an indelible mark on our educational community and have created brighter futures for scores of learners across HCPS," Cashwell said.
Thank you for your incredible work in empowering student success!