Position: Principal
School: Brooklyn Lab School
School District: New York City Department of Education #19
City, State: Brooklyn, NY
Music that Describes Gerard
Gerard Henry was nominated by one of his district's superintendents, Janice Ross.
"It is with the greatest pleasure that I nominate Gerard for the LifeChanger of the Year Award, as he truly embodies what school leadership should be, in every way," said Ross. "When you think of Principal Henry, what immediately comes to mind is leading by example, and with love. Principal Henry ensures that the academic, social, and emotional needs of all stakeholders in his community are met. In fact, even now, at this moment, he's likely conducting a home visit to one of his neediest students to ensure they have all the necessities: food, clothing, proper housing, and support."
"While attending a Courageous Conversations conference in New Orleans in support of advancing equity in his school, he conducted a wellness check to provide support for his student, who was living in New Orleans at the time," said Ross. "He has created a school we are immensely proud of, but his ability to change lives is what shines the brightest."
Since taking over leadership of Brooklyn Lab School, Principal Henry has gone above and beyond to build a community that feels like family to all who enter. You will never find Principal Henry alone in his warm and comfortable office. He will always have teachers and staff meeting with him for instructional or operational purposes, as he exemplifies shared decision-making and building capacity in his community to the highest degree. Students love to seek him out for extra help, or as a trusting person to talk with. He is always driven by a desire to provide assistance to those who need it, and to be a guiding force for his stakeholders, while also empowering his community to get involved and be proactive. He often shares stories of his students’ success while they are under his care and after they graduate.
Principal Henry possesses so many qualities that make him stand out. First and foremost, he is a true humanitarian. He's also an exemplary systems thinker who is constantly monitoring and revising from self-reflection and feedback to ensure that his school is achieving his mission and vision in collaboration with all stakeholders. He takes all feedback to ensure that next steps are enacted for the betterment of all. His tireless efforts to improve the school, which was lagging in numerous areas prior to his arrival, have resulted in a cohesive, rigorous, and nurturing environment. His June graduation rate was 97%, which is up from 60% when he first took on leadership at Brooklyn Lab. This incredible leap of 37% speaks to his tremendous commitment and high expectations for his students to be college and career ready. His focused and coherent instructional vision has transformed classrooms and teacher practice. This exponential leap in rate was the result of leading his community to be a caring and reflective collective, where everyone is collaborating for students’ present and future success. Additionally, he has developed strategic partnerships that support teacher development, student passions and interests, his community, and his strong and focused instructional vision.
"Principal Henry has moved his school to a place of love and pride, where students are at the center and are surrounded by a caring, dedicated staff," said Ross. "We have learned so much as a district from his leadership. He continues to inspire his colleagues with his selfless and determined leadership."