This week we get back into the Principal's Office with Dr. Charles Fuller at Envision Science Academy in Wake Forest, NC, which is just outside Raleigh. Envision is a K-8 school and I spent most of January and February with Dr. Fuller, who was a long time teacher and principal in Franklin county, NC He joined the charter school world and Envision two years ago, when Envision was coming off a rocky first year. Over the last two years, Dr. Fuller has helped the school realize its mission as a STEAM school, incorporating the arts into STEM, and expand by doubling its enrollment. Finally, he just led the charge to move the school mid year from two temporary facilities into its permanent home which was quite an undertaking to say the least. During our conversation, he talked about the process of leading through change, and also gives tips on what to prioritize as your school grows. I learned an awful lot from this school and this school leader and I know you will too. So please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Charles Fuller.
Notes:
3:00 What drives you to keep learning and growing?
8:12 How is Envision Science Academy unique?
10:00 How do you incorporate STEAM into your schedule?
15:15 What about your STEAM focus draws families to Envision Science Academy?
18:35 What is important to you as a leader when leading through big changes?
25:00 Advice for principals that are moving facilities
28:00 Comparing charter and traditional schools
30:15 When I was on my soapbox railing against charter schools
32:15 How the lack of a central office affects charter schools
36:50 What is the next big initiative at Envision? Where are you going from here?
40:35 What advice would you give yourself as a beginning principal?
