COLUMBIA, S.C. – Celebrating Leadership in Education
This October, as we celebrate National Principal’s Month, let’s turn our attention to a remarkable educational leader right here in Columbia—St. Andrews Middle School Principal Jametta Hodges-Stewart. With an inspiring journey from student to educator to school leader, Hodges-Stewart is making significant strides in shaping the future of her students and her school community.
A Passion Ignited in the Classroom
Reflecting on her own educational path, Hodges-Stewart recalls how her middle school science teacher made her love for learning blossom. “She made learning so fun, but it was relevant to our lives,” Hodges-Stewart reminisced. That inspiration fueled her desire to become a teacher herself. “I wanted to do that with my kids,” she said, echoing her teacher’s sentiment of connecting lessons to real life.
Her passion for science started at a young age, largely due to her father’s influence as a pharmacist. This exposure sparked a curiosity in Hodges-Stewart that would guide her life choices. After earning a degree in Chemistry from Columbia College, her journey took a turn towards education rather than following her father’s footsteps into pharmacy.
A Journey into Teaching
In the early 2000s, Hodges-Stewart stepped into the classroom as a science teacher at St. Andrews Middle School. It wasn’t long before her commitment to education shone brightly; she was named Teacher of the Year during the 2005-06 school year. It was at this pivotal moment that her mentor encouraged her to consider becoming a principal. “My mentor at that time, Principal Kenneth Richardson, kept pushing me,” Hodges-Stewart recalled. After additional degrees from South Carolina State and the University of South Carolina, she was well-prepared for the next chapter in her career.
A New Role Amidst Challenges
Hodges-Stewart officially took on the role of principal at St. Andrews Middle School in 2019. Just months after stepping into her new role, an unthinkable challenge arose: COVID-19. The pandemic forced schools to transition to remote learning, placing her science, teaching, and leadership abilities to the test. “We shut the school down,” Hodges-Stewart said. “It was definitely a learning curve, grew a lot, persevered, and we made it through.”
This challenging chapter served as a testament to her resilience and dedication, not just as an educator but as a leader responsible for the well-being of her students and staff.
The Ripple Effect of Inspiration
One of the most rewarding moments for Hodges-Stewart has been witnessing her influence as a teacher encourage students to pursue their own paths in education. Recently, she felt an overwhelming joy as two of her former students graduated from her alma mater. “I went to their graduation from Columbia College, and they said it was because of me,” she shared, beaming with pride. “My heart is full knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life.”
She has become a beacon of support for her students, assuring them that “they know they can find me, they can talk, and I am here for them.” That nurturing spirit fuels her commitment to serve each day, hoping to touch lives in the process.
Looking Ahead
As schools across the country navigate their own unique challenges, Hodges-Stewart is grateful for the return to in-person learning at St. Andrews Middle School. “It’s thankfully become easier running the school now that everything isn’t remote,” she said. Her dedication continues to pave the way for a brighter future for her students.
As we honor all principals this month and their unwavering contributions to education, it’s clear that leaders like Jametta Hodges-Stewart are setting remarkable examples for future generations. Her journey stands as a reminder that through passion, perseverance, and a genuine desire to inspire, educational leaders can create lasting impacts for their communities.
