Congratulations to Emily Donalson, Florida’s Innovative Principal of the Year. Mrs. Donalson is the principal of Sims Middle School located in Pace.
Mrs. Donalson, exemplifies outstanding, visionary leadership. She has served as an educator for over 20 years, always fostering the use technology as a tool for learning. Entering her sixth year as principal, she radically changed the culture at Sims Middle School. Her desire to prepare students for futuristic careers has resulted in an atmosphere where teachers and students embrace technology. From increasing the use of 3D printers to participation in live streaming classes, Mrs. Donalson sees no limits when utilizing technology in the classroom.
Perhaps the greatest example of her innovation lies in the increase of CTE industry certifications and career academies at the middle school level. In 2014, Sims had one industry certification (Microsoft MOS) with very limited student participation. Under the leadership of Mrs. Donalson, Sims currently offers students four different industry certifications: Microsoft Entrepreneurship, Lynx, IT Fundamentals, and REC Pre-Engineering. As a result, a substantial number of students have earned industry certifications despite pandemic limitations.
Mrs. Donalson’s dedication to increase opportunities for students extends throughout the district. Mrs. Donalson has been instrumental in mentoring principals as they establish their own IT Academies. After launching the IT Academy at her school, Sims and Locklin partnered with a neighboring middle school and its feeder high school to create the same live, interactive experience for students on those campuses. This learning modality enabled one instructor to teach and interact with students at four different locations simultaneously. This model of instruction has created a pipeline for students to pursue specialized certifications that previously were not accessible. Mrs. Donalson’s innovative thinking demonstrates a vision which could potentially impact all students in Santa Rosa County as well as other districts across the state.
