R.N. Harris Elementary Principal Mshinda Middleton-Brown says elementary [school] is the foundation of education. “Staff who are invested are the major contributing factors. They’re the ones who have been there year after year, the individuals who take pride in making sure they are masters of their craft.”
An educator for 22 years, Mshinda has been named the 2023 Durham Principal of the Year for her commitment to students and her support of staff. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher and has served R.N. Harris as a teacher and now as an administrator.
Under her leadership the school was designated as a “B” school for the first time ever, was named a 2023 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School, and was listed among the top 20 percent of schools in the state of North Carolina for academic growth. Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools are chosen based on nine performance areas: student focus and support, school organization and culture, challenging standards and curriculum, technology and integration, leadership and education vitality, and school, family and community partnerships.
“I feel so humbled to be chosen for this tremendous recognition by my colleagues. It says a lot. I’m proud to serve as a representative for Durham Public Schools.”
Mshinda is a member of the Durham Association of Educators (DAE) and will now compete for the Wells-Fargo Regional Principal of the Year title.
