Lanier High School Principal Dr. Reuben Gresham has been awarded the Henk Koning Exemplary Educator Award by the National Career Academies Coalition (NCAC). The award recognizes an academy educator who has made a significant contribution to the success of a career academy.
Dr. Gresham’s leadership has allowed the school’s four academies the Center of Design & Technology (STEM), Life & Health Sciences, Global Business & Leadership, and Multimedia & Fine Arts, to thrive. He has helped foster and develop a stable leadership group that includes an academy coach and academy leads who work directly with administrators and counselors to ensure students are supported. This support is highlighted through Dr. Gresham’s vision for an embedded block of the day twice a week called Academy Time. The time is dedicated to intervention, remediation, and enrichment where students have opportunities to work on projects, deep dive into interests, receive academic support, and participate in lessons that expose and bolster important soft skills needed in the modern workforce.
Although honored to receive the award, Dr. Gresham says the great work being done at Lanier is the result of a team effort. “Our teachers and students have embraced the challenge of learning new things in new ways, and the success of all students during these crucial years is our number one priority,” Dr. Gresham said. “We want our students to win in a global society and not be fearful to go out into the world. I love our Lanier family and the work we are doing. I just have the blessing to accept this recognition on their behalf.”
Debbie Dees, GCPS assistant superintendent for high schools, applauds Dr. Gresham, saying his passion for education and students is clear and evident. “All you have to do is walk the hallways and classrooms with Dr. Gresham to understand his commitment to Lanier High School and the Sugar Hill Community,” Dees said. “His personal commitment to people in the Lanier Community is infectious. He truly loves being a principal and the role he plays in the lives of young people. Dr. Gresham and Lanier High School have set the course for transforming teaching and learning through the Academy model, and that model has opened our students’ eyes to the vast array of careers available within multiple industries.”
The National Career Academies Coalition provides collaborative support and resources for existing and emerging career academies. NCAC’s mission is to advise organizations across the country in order to create and support a national network of existing and emerging career academies.
