Recently their founder and principal of five years retired. The BPLA board of directors hired a new principal for the upcoming school term. Mrs. Natonia Tillman was named the new principal of BPLA for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Tillman's educational experience includes serving in a leadership role in public and charter school systems. She has served as an assistant principal, director of curriculum and instruction, and a K-12 administrator. Miss Tillman holds a master's degree in school administration in a postgrad degree/certification in curriculum and instruction.
BPLA Board Chairman Wesley Hightower stated, "The members of the BPLA board of directors are grateful Mrs. Tillman’s experience in the public charter school sector with her combination of education will continue to guide the academy up the pathway of success."
BPLA's founder and principal of five years, Dr. Myrtis Brightharp-Walker, shared “I will continue to support BPLA, and it is my prayer that the next leadership team will love and protect the standards that have been established while keeping the mission and vision in the forefront as we all seek the school's perpetuity.”
Mrs. Tillman has served on several school leadership teams and is aware of the upcoming challenges and rewards that lie before her at BPLA. Previously serving as the director of curriculum and instruction for an SC public charter school, Mrs. Tillman is familiar with assembling and utilizing resources to promote continuous improvement in the teaching and learning field. As most public charter schools require, Mrs. Tillman has also instituted a blended learning model for students and implemented effective teaching practices to address academic and behavioral milestones. Mrs. Tillman is elated about her new position and ready to serve. "I am excited to be able to bring excitement, energy, and innovation to Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy. We live in an ever-changing and advancing complex world; STEM careers play a major role in shaping our future. Accepting this position at Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy, a STEM school, allows me to directly impact our future leaders, who in turn have the greatest impact in molding a better and brighter future in the world in which we live," stated Tillman.
BPLA is a tuition-free public charter school focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Student enrollment is open for grades K-8.
BPLA has open positions; for additional information, visit the website www.BettisPrep.org.
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