Taking a Leap of Faith: First-Year AP Shares Her Journey to School Leadership

Ms. Deani Jordan, assistant principal at Farragut Career Academy IB World School, comes from a family of lifelong learners, and from the age of two, they knew she’d excel in her education and career trajectory. She initially pursued a STEM-related career, but was reminded of her love for education when she came across an opportunity to participate in an alternative certification program with CPS and other partnering institutions. 

After graduating with her license, she joined the District as a special education teacher, case manager, and teacher leader. AP Jordan was content with her work as a case manager at Dyett High School. It wasn’t until a colleague suggested she apply to the Department of Principal Quality’s Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute (AAPI) that the idea of becoming a school leader came to fruition.

Despite completing the AAPI’s tier two and three programs, AP Jordan had reservations about leaving her position at Dyett. She valued her years-long work with students on the city’s south side. But things changed when she received a phone call regarding an open position with the leadership team at Farragut High School in the Little Village neighborhood. 

“After my first interview at Farragut, I felt a sense of excitement about a role I’d never considered,” she says. “I’d never met Principal Nanavati before that day, and I still felt an instant connection with him and the school. I am a woman of faith, and I believe I was given this opportunity for a reason and that school leadership was the path I was meant to take.” 

AP Jordan takes her calling to support the education of young people very seriously. And despite her fear and self-doubt that she would not be able to live up to the responsibility, she is thriving in leading with compassion and love each and every day. 

She describes her first year as inquisitive, transformative, and set in intention. Learn more about AP Jordan and her work at Farragut below!

How has completing the AAPI helped you in your first year as an AP? 

The program was a fantastic learning experience that applied to the work I was already a part of and to the work of an assistant principal. Every professional development opportunity DPQ offers is research-based and relevant, which has helped build my confidence and prepare me for this new role.

What are some of your day-to-day priorities at Farragut? 

My number one priority is supporting my principal and school community. I’m deeply grateful to be in this role at Farragut and to be able to serve the staff, students, and families here every day. Whether providing support and guidance in a challenging situation, acting as a thought partner, or just providing support in a simple task, I’m committed to making sure all our students and staff have a successful experience. 

Was the transition to school leadership what you expected? 

Before transitioning to this role, I was aware of the many tasks and time-management challenges that might come with the job. I transitioned into this school with this in the back of my mind, but my experience so far has been better than I could have ever imagined or expected. Having a supportive Principal who is invested in my growth and success as a school leader has made this an amazing experience so far.  

What are you most proud of in your work at Farragut? 

I’m proud of our improved attendance rate; last year’s rate of 62% has now jumped to 82%, in large part due to the improved culture and climate in the building. We’re also looking forward to seeing an increase in graduation rate and college enrollment. I’m very proud of the overall positive changes within our school community. Our entire leadership team is new to the school, and it’s encouraging to receive feedback from students and staff, especially those who have been in the school community for years, about the positive changes they’ve seen since our transition. Knowing that our team is headed in the right direction is gratifying. 

What is your message to your fellow assistant principals? 

Our students in CPS deserve the absolute best from us. So, I encourage other assistant principals to be steadfast in their work and be student and people-centered, because genuine care goes a long way.