Meet Wanda E. Haynes | Elementary School Administrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wanda E. Haynes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wanda E., what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I’ve always been a planner and an organizer. In my career, both have come in handy to help shape who I am today. As I became an educator 29 years ago, I was not formally trained as an educator. My undergraduate degree from Florida State University was in Social Work. I took a pivot and got a job as a kindergarten teacher at Mount Bethel Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale where I taught myself how to teach by planning and organizing my lessons and maintaining a very structured classroom. Over the years, those same skills helped me to further my career as an Assistant Principal and now Principal. When I arrived at Village Elementary seven years ago as a turnaround principal, there was much I had to plan for. Being able to lead a team and guide this school through three years of state oversight and the COVID 19 pandemic required essential planning skills to navigate the work before us. Believing in the importance of these two habits, I developed “Smart Start” lesson plans for my teachers to use at the beginning of each school year and the second semester to establish routines and procedures that work as a preventative measure against behavior challenges in order that we can keep the focus on teaching and learning. Being a proactive person helps me to always listen and be aware of impeding concerns before they flare into full fledged problems.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been an educator for over 29 years in the Broward County Public School system and a school administrator for the last 13 years. In July of 2017, recognizing my success as principal, I was tapped by the District to become principal at Village Elementary. As a turnaround principal, I was tasked with transforming student achievement and revitalizing school culture. As a school principal, I have learned the importance of developing strong relationships with parents, students, staff, and the community. A positive and strong school culture is vital to the success of a school and impacts student achievement in ways that one could never imagine. In September of 2021, I was honored to be selected as a semi-finalist for Principal of the Year for Broward County Public Schools. In recognition of my contributions, the City of Sunrise designated February 14, 2022 as Wanda E. Haynes Day and in December of 2022, I was inducted into the Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame for Distinguished Broward County Public School Alumni.

I would describe myself as a fierce advocate and role model for students with disabilities. I push for my students to look beyond their disabilities and to achieve as if the disability does not exist, by telling my personal story of achievement despite being profoundly deaf since a teen. It is always my goal to inspire students to reach for the stars and that by working TOGETHER as a team, we can all accomplish more than we dare to dream. Known as a no-nonsense educator who has a passion for educating my “babies”, I’ve been affectionately called “Mama Haynes”. I give tough love and discipline while still embracing and encouraging my “scholars” and letting them know everyday that I care about them. On any given day, you can find me building and fostering strong relationships between my staff, scholars, and community. I believe that every child deserves an opportunity to excel, a chance to reach their fullest potential. As such, every day, I close the morning announcements with: “High Expectations, Every Scholar, Every Day!” One of my favorite quotes is by the late Rita Pierson who once said, that “every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be”. I strive EVERYDAY to be that champion for my scholars!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m really a homebody, but if I have friends visiting, I think showing them the some fun things to do in the city is a must. Some of the places I think they would love: Sunday Brunch at Nikki Beach, a water taxi ride along the Intercoastal in Fort Lauderdale, and a tour of the homes in Biscayne Bay. Catching a comedy show at the Dania Improv or an event at the Adrienne Arsht Center would be a good one. Visiting African American owned restaurants would also be on my list such as Lil Greenhouse Grill and Red Rooster. Taking a walk through Wynwood and having breakfast at Morgan’s are a few other essentials.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I must definitely give a shoutout to my family for always believing in me and supporting me. My husband (Eric) and children (EJ and Elayna) have always been my biggest cheerleaders, through every achievement and every roadblock. Their unwavering support is like a steady hand on my back, keeping me from falling, encouraging me, congratulating me, and embracing me in love. Professionally, Susan Colton and Dr. Angela Fulton have mentored my journey, providing words of wisdom and direction that have shaped my career. They’ve held me steady over the years and I’m eternally grateful for their continued support.

Twitter: @wandaelaine

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiZ1hgrmUWo