The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District announced that MRH Elementary School Principal Dr. Jason Adams is stepping down from his position this summer. Adams has accepted the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning position for the Webster Groves School District.
Adams joined MRH in July, 2012. He served as an assistant principal in the Parkway School District and a classroom teacher in the Kirkwood School District. Through Maryville University, Jason has a B.A. and M.A. degree in Elementary Education, an M.A. degree in Educational Leadership, completed graduate programs in literacy and gifted education and completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
In addition, Adams is a proud advocate for educational equity and inclusive learning spaces. He is a certified Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity facilitator, a graduate of the Leadership Academy for Character Education, and a former Chair and Board Director for the St. Louis based organization Educators for Social Justice. Recently, Adams completed the Learning Forward Leadership Academy and served as the Chairperson for the 2019 National Learning Forward Annual Conference in St. Louis.
“Dr. Adams has been an important part of the MRH community, serving as an elementary principal, working with district title programs, and serving as the lead administrator overseeing elementary literacy projects,” said Assistant Superintendent Roxanna Mechem. “His caring presence will be missed.”
Superintendent Dr. Karen Hall added, “It’s always been so heartwarming to witness the adoration for Jason by his students and their families. He is a hands-on leader who is unflappable, energetic and positive. Webster Groves is fortunate to gain an administrator of his caliber.”
Asked about his achievements over the years, Dr. Adams said, “I’m most proud of the successful transitions between the Early Childhood Center and the Elementary School. This includes grade level changes and changes to how we look. I’m also proud of the work we have done with literacy instruction to ensure we have continuity across grade levels and classrooms.
In addition, over the years we have continued to refine our ‘School as Museum’ metaphor and I feel the metaphor is in the best place it has ever been. Also, our Response to Intervention problem solving process is the strongest it has ever been. I’m also proud of where the community has taken our PTO. To see the realization of 501c3 and self-sustaining PTO is amazing!”
Adams continued, “I hope that my legacy at MRHE would be a commitment to work for all kids. My personal commitment to equity guided many of my decisions, whether they be curriculum decisions, grant work, or hiring of staff. I went into education because as a student I had many educators who positively impacted my life. I wanted to be that for someone else. One of my favorite quotes is from Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe that it’s up to all of us to ensure that all of our students are reaching their highest potential. That, for me, is the purpose of it all.
MRHE has been my life for the last 8 years. This was an incredibly difficult decision. I will also be an advocate for MRH and I am truly thankful for my time here. I am the leader I am today because of MRH.”
Dr. Adams’ final day at MRH will be June 30, 2020.
Well, darn.