BERLIN, N.Y. — Berlin Elementary School Principal Tracy Kent, was awarded 2022 Principal of the Year honors by the Greater Capital Region Principal Center and the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA).
CASDA’s committees are made up of Capital District area school administrators and University at Albany faculty. Each year CASDA honors area educators and community members at their Spring Annual Awards and Friends of Education Celebration.
The Principal of the Year award recognizes a principal for “exemplary leadership qualities (highlighted by the unique challenges of the pandemic) who has made a difference in the lives of their students.”
The first award was given in 1991. The criteria are based on the “Professional Standards for Educational Leaders that endorse the qualities of effective educational leaders who promote each student’s academic success and well-being.”
Kent has been in the field of education for 29 years. For 18 of those years, Tracy was a classroom teacher. She transitioned into administration 11 years ago and has spent the last eight years as the principal of Berlin Elementary School.
“I want students to come to school each day excited to learn and feeling connected to the teachers and staff,” Kent said when talking about what guides her as the BES Principal.
“We do our best to provide an environment where students know they are cared about and supported. When students feel this way, they are more likely to be successful academically,” Kent added.
“Tracy Kent is an outstanding leader who has been highly involved in her school’s community and functioning through its various successes and challenges, including the Covid pandemic,” Berlin Central School District Superintendent Joseph Dhara said.
Over the last two years, Kent has led the implementation of a new Math and Literacy program, initiated to help students recover “learning loss” from Covid and better prepare them academically, including for a transition into Middle School.
This school year Kent hired a full-time Berlin Elementary Family Liaison and Counselor as an addition to the current BES Counseling Team, which includes a school psychologist and social worker.
The Counseling Team is tasked with supporting students and families, ensuring students stay connected to school and are able to continue their education.
Berlin Elementary is also incorporating a Multi-Tiered Student Support (MTSS) program and, currently, there is a Response to Intervention (RTI) support program for academics and behavior.
Kent stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach to educating the whole child, a methodology that has put these support systems in place.
“The past two years have posed many obstacles for teachers, students, and their families,” Kent remarked.
“I can’t say enough about the wonderful staff at BES during this time of constant change. It often felt that we were adapting and making changes almost daily,” Kent noted.
“Her dedication to her staff and students comes first and foremost,” BES third-grade teacher, Jessica Rontey, reflected on working with the BES principal.
“Tracy has had to face many challenges over the years, and she handles them with grace. She is real and honest, and I respect that about her,” Rontey continued.
“Mrs. Kent always steps up when our building is in need,” Kasey Hannigan, a Kindergarten teacher at BES commented.
“She is known to be a substitute when we are short a teacher, monitoring kids and washing the tables in the lunchroom or going outside at recess. She is always willing to lend a hand,” Hannigan added.
Kent considered the past two years: “We kept our focus on students and their needs, and it is what kept, and keeps, all of us going.”
“We learned to appreciate even the smallest of things that brought some sense of normalcy to the school experience for students.”
When sharing the good news with BCSD staff, Dhara said, “We are so proud of you Tracy for all that you represent and your tireless work for our students, staff and community.”
“This well-deserved award is reflective of your outstanding leadership, caring and dedication!”
The award ceremony was Wednesday, April 13, at the CASDA Annual Awards Dinner at Franklin Terrace in Troy.
Berlin’s Tracy Kent named Principal of the Year - Troy Record
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