This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Gina Harris from Currituck County Middle School in North Carolina. Nominator Helen Taylor wrote:
Mrs. Gina Harris is a wonderful example of connection in action. From her first day at Currituck County Middle School, she has made it a priority to build genuine relationships with staff. Her warm, positive personality, sense of humor, and willingness to listen make her approachable and easy to connect with. Since stepping into her role as instructional coach, Mrs. Harris has intentionally found ways to connect with teachers and support them where they are. She visits classrooms, provides personalized notes and feedback, shares practical ideas through her Coaches Corner, and continually looks for ways to help teachers feel supported and successful. Most importantly, Gina brings authenticity and a genuine passion for education and coaching to everything she does. She has quickly become someone teachers know they can turn to for encouragement, a listening ear, or a helpful suggestion. She is building connections that strengthen our staff, support our teachers, and ultimately make a difference for our students.
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
Instructional Coach: I work with 6-8th grade teachers in all content areas.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
I appreciate how we are all able to have important and difficult conversations at times and still come up with next steps as a team. I appreciate how we rely on each other to grow and learn.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
I have the opportunity to visit different classrooms and observe instruction, as well as facilitate PLCs for each grade level. My favorite moments are seeing the work we’ve done as a professional learning community come to life in the classroom and celebrating our teachers by giving them a shout-out in our newsletter!
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
It makes me feel like the work I am doing is being noticed and applied which makes me want to learn and grow in my role as an Instructional Coach.
What inspires you to Fight Forward?
My administrators inspire me to keep moving forward because they are supportive and genuinely want to create a positive environment where staff morale is high and teachers feel valued. I’m also inspired by the teachers I work with and the dedication they show to their students every day. Seeing the strategies and ideas we develop through our PLCs come to life in the classroom reminds me why collaboration and professional growth are so important.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to make more connections?
I would say stay visible, and positive. Be quick to listen and seek to understand.
Gina will receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of her achievements.