District Names 2024 Principals of the Year

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In surprise visits on February 20, Rosalind Burns and Dr. Cedric Stewart each found out they had been named the Elementary and Secondary Principals of the Year, respectively.

Elementary Principal of the Year — Rosalind Burns of Jones EC/PreK/K School

In 1993, Burns began her career in Bryan ISD at Kemp Elementary School, where she taught second and fourth grade for nine years. Burns was named Teacher of the Year in 1997 for her campus. In 2002, she took a position as a fourth-grade teacher at Magrill Elementary School. While at Magrill, she worked as a lead teacher, skills specialist, and testing coordinator. In 2005, Burns was named Teacher of the Year in Aldine and the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAASBE) Black Educator of the Year in 2008.

Burns was named principal of Jones EC/PreK/K School in June 2017. She also served as an assistant principal at Jones Elementary School for five years.

Burns graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a reading specialization endorsement. In 2009, she joined the SHEL cohort and earned her master’s degree in administration in 2010.

Burns is the mother of two Nimitz graduates and a Nimitz High senior.

“Growing up in a family of educators greatly impacted my decision to be an educator. As a child, I spent many hours in my mother’s classroom and on home visits while she checked on her students. I saw the relationships she built and the joy families had when they connected. As the lead learner of my campus, I have a passion for helping others learn and grow and positively impacting student lives. I hope to leave a legacy where the people I partner with continue pursuing excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education.”

— Rosalind Burns

Secondary Principal of the Year — Dr. Cedric Stewart of Houston Academy

Stewart has served as principal of Houston Academy since 2020. Before joining Houston Academy, Stewart served as an assistant principal at Hoffmann Middle School, a position he held since 2018.

A U.S. Armed Forces veteran, Stewart has over 30 years of experience in education. Stewart began his career as a teacher in 1992 at Welch Middle School in Houston ISD as a special education teacher. Three years later, Stewart transitioned to Aldine ISD. For over 25 years, Stewart has held several positions in AISD, including teacher, behavior intervention specialist, responsive intervention specialist, and data assessment specialist at Reed Academy.

In December 2023, the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) named Houston Academy a National Demonstration School. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) magnet Choice School option for Aldine ISD students has earned numerous Magnet Schools of America honors, Including School of Distinction Awards (2006, 2009, and 2015) and School of Excellence Awards (2007 and 2022). Principal Cedric Stewart, recently named this school year’s HAABSE Principal of the Year, was recognized for his leadership.

He holds six degrees, including two master’s degrees in administration, supervision, and educational counseling from Sam Houston State University. Stewart received his doctorate in educational leadership from the same university. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Sam Houston State University.

“Unfortunately, in today’s world, a child’s ZIP code, skin color, language spoken at home, and family’s income heavily influence their future prospects. Now, perhaps more than ever before, an excellent education is crucial for individual prosperity, the health of our democracy, and the strength of our nation. As a seasoned educator, I’ve realized that a student’s success in school depends on more than just high expectations and great teaching, though both are vital. Success also demands creating systems to prevent students from slipping through the cracks, ensuring regular school attendance despite the challenges or barriers they must overcome, and addressing young people’s social, emotional, and behavioral needs in welcoming and safe school environments. Through our education and public service work, we contribute to fulfilling our nation’s promise of equal opportunity. Our efforts in public schools, without a doubt, establish environments where every child — regardless of race, background, or circumstance — can reach as far as their dreams and determination will take them. My legacy as an educator lies in awakening and empowering awareness of the ongoing challenges in our communities and country while simultaneously providing students with a solid foundation in academic learning based on love for the child and their future.”

— Dr. Cedric Stewart