From Paraprofessional to Principal: Leading Harding High School

Born and raised in Bridgeport, Principal Thompson's journey is a powerful example of perseverance, dedication, and the impact of public education.

In this episode of The Voice of the District, Principal Thompson reflects on his path from Bridgeport Public Schools student to paraprofessional, educator, and now principal of Harding High School. He shares how his experiences growing up in the city shaped his leadership, the importance of building meaningful relationships with students, and the work underway to support student success at Harding.

The conversation also highlights Harding's growing CNA program, student achievement efforts, school culture, and the unique ways Principal Thompson connects with students through music and mentorship.

This is a story about leadership, opportunity, and giving back to the community that helped shape you.

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:00

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to the voice of the district, where we celebrate the people, progress, and purpose shaping our schools and community every day. I'm Carly Rocha Reyes, and today's episode is especially meaningful as we recognize a historic milestone, the 100-year anniversary of Harding High School. For a century, Harding has been a cornerstone of this community, building generations of leaders, scholars, and champions. And today we're honored to be joined by Principal Vernon Thompson, whose leadership continues to carry forward Harding's proud legacy while strengthening culture and expanding opportunities for students. So, Principal Thompson, welcome and congratulations on 100 years of Harding Pride.

SPEAKER_00 0:46

Thank you, and I'm really happy and excited to be here.

SPEAKER_02 0:48

Absolutely. We're excited to have you and to learn more about the amazing work that you're doing at Harding High School.

SPEAKER_00 0:54

Thank you.

SPEAKER_02 0:55

So before we get started, I think, you know, for those of you out there that may not know you or your history or how you've come to be working here in Bridgeport Public Schools, you want to just give us a little background information?

SPEAKER_00 1:06

So I'm I'm actually, you know, raised here, wasn't born here, but I've been here since I was six years old. I attended Park City Magnet that was in the district. Then I went out of district for high school, but Bridgeport is a city that I'm grounded in. Um, that I really have strong connections and I want to see the city do well. So I'm I'm thoroughly, thoroughly invested, you know, in the success of the city.

SPEAKER_02 1:34

Absolutely. And how many years have you been working here in Bridgeport, Paul?

SPEAKER_00 1:37

So I'm almost at close to 20 years. Okay. I came in as a paraprofessional. Uh, I got my degree in marketing, and the paraprofessional job for me was just something to hold things over while I was looking for a career in the business world, actually in the entertainment world, and I got this job just to have benefits and to have a little money in my pocket to do the things that I wanted to do. And I started at Bridgeport Learning Center, which is our therapeutic day program, with some of the most difficult students, and I ended up finding it to be a passion. I was a parent, and the district invested in me getting certified, and I stuck with the district uh for about, I'd say 11 years. I got my first administrative opportunity in Hartford, and then I was blessed with the opportunity to come back home as an assistant principal at Harding. Um, and I also taught at BASIC, also, which I have a lot of strong connections, you know, to BASIC, and as a teacher, I worked really hard with the staff to get the new building and apply that pressure, you know, on, you know, and the mayor who was supportive. I'm not saying that I applied the pressure, but that's one of the one things I asked as a teacher to get these students a new building. And at the time, leadership was uh uh unstable, but teacher leadership was necessary, and we work really hard with uh council and the mayor to secure that opportunity. So that's one thing that I pride myself in, and I also always tell teachers that you have a voice as a teacher that can impact our students, and that was a great leadership start for me.

SPEAKER_02 3:31

Absolutely. Well, thank you for all that pressure and dedication to get those things done. And I love that you've you've you've seen the district through different lenses, right? Like through the lens of a paraprofessional as a teacher, and I think those are such great experiences that help shape great leaders like you.

SPEAKER_00 3:49

Definitely. Um, teaching, being a paraprofessional at BLC under strong leader, Miss Earl, who had been with the district for years, really gave me the training, the therapeutic understanding, the trauma-informed understanding that I think really shaped me into who I am. So that foundation, you know, at the time I was at BLC, we had the most difficult students in the district, some extreme, extreme challenges. And as a teacher, anything that a student could possibly do to a teacher in a what we claim a disrespectful behavioral manner, I experienced, but I learned how to love students in spite of that, and how to get students through those difficult and tough times. I think that experience really shaped me the most in terms of who I am as a person and as an educator.

SPEAKER_02 4:45

Wow, that's incredible. Thank you for sharing that. Um, so Harding High School is celebrating 100 years, which is a pretty incredible milestone. So, what does this moment mean to you, to the Harding community? And are you doing things? What are you doing to honor the legacy and also talk about the future for the students?

SPEAKER_00 5:05

Yeah, so first off, you know, I grew up going to Harding's basketball camp under Coach Bentley. Always wanted to go to Harding. I wasn't able to, but Harding has always stood out in the community. And it's not a knock to the other other high schools, but Harding pride has just always been something different. It's always been a staple in the city. And I don't say that to say that we're better than anyone else. But before, you know, I arrived at even working at the school, Harding has been known nationally for the athletes that it has produced. But when you look deeper at Harding, it's more than a hub for athletes. There's doctors, there's lawyers, uh, there's nurses, any field, uh, great musicians, great actresses, as we, you know, rename the auditorium. But great things have come out of Harding High School. So this was a moment for us to reflect on that and really highlight some of the things that people don't know. A lot of people know about the NBA players, Charles Smith, uh Bagley. Uh they know about the NBA players, but there's so much more to the history that many people don't know about, and this is a great opportunity for us to highlight those accomplishments of great people that have shaped Harding High School.

SPEAKER_02 6:31

That's wonderful. And you're doing like an amazing job showcasing that. I mean, for social media to begin. I mean, there's so many people who are following your social media, and I think the exposure you're creating around it has really made a huge impact.

SPEAKER_00 6:44

I can say one thing I have to shout out our students. I kind of begin, honestly, I had to learn myself. I learned how to do flyers, I learned how to do everything to get the momentum going. But my students have taken the ball and ran with it. I wanted to highlight our athletes because I felt like these things made students feel special. They like to see themselves on flyers before games. So we wanted them to feel special. We want them to feel like they're playing for college. But the students, they picked it up, and I don't have to do any of it anymore, and they've taken that pride on, and they want to respect their school in a quality and a manner that reflects what's happening. So I'm I'm really proud of that. You know, there were times, and you know, in your tenure, being in the high school, where social media is used to highlight so much uh negativity. Absolutely. But having students take that ownership of showing their school to the world, showing their school locally and globally, it has such a significant impact. So I'm really proud of my students for what they've done to market the school and to show the great things that are happening.

SPEAKER_02 8:01

They're doing an incredible, an incredible job. And so let's talk a little bit more about your students and student achievement. Um, and student achievement is always at the center of our work. And so, what are some key strategies? What are your efforts around improving student achievement academically, you know, specifically?

SPEAKER_00 8:18

I have to say, you know, and I'm not just saying it because he's at the top. Uh, before being interim superintendent, I worked directly with Dr. Avery. And that was in my first year as a principal. And working with him helped me kind of change my perspective on leadership. I think I understood culture and climate, but I was at the beginning of learning how to implement and improve instruction. You know, I knew some things. Uh, but and I know it's it's a sensitive topic with, you know, the whole relay thing, but when relay came into the district to really look at academics, Harding was not a school that was included. Dr. Avery saw uh how we were growing as a school, where the culture and climate was, and he hit the he hit the brakes on that and said Harding needs to be included because they're ready to really push instruction. So I think it was that moment. One, you know, working with him, his emphasis was like, you got the culture and climate. Now I want to see what we do with the students who are ready to learn, your students are ready to learn. And I was able to get, though it was brief, just a new perspective on how I manage my time to support teachers. I think that was the big shift for me. So I've spent more time working with teachers on what's happening in the classroom and not just providing observations and feedback, but collaboration. So I think the the main thing that shifts instruction is the time that our administrative team spends collaborating with teachers. And it doesn't happen. Um, I have to shout out Harding's teacher leadership because the teachers are invested. And I think when we spend that time with their investment, and also a big thing for me about leadership is seeing the greatness in your teachers and staff, period, and allowing them to run with what they're great at. That's what's allowed us to really grow academically. Our math team, English team, social studies, science. We have leaders in each department that take it serious, but the collaboration has led to greater outcomes for our students.

SPEAKER_02 10:41

I love that. I love that you've empowered your teachers to lead. I think that's so, so important. And also, you know, a testament to your leadership is you were able to create a climate and culture that was ready for the academic improvement. And I think sometimes we struggle just at that foundation or we jump too soon to the next step. And I think to to put the emphasis on that, to get that to a place where you knew that the academics were ready to thrive is really a strong leadership moment.

SPEAKER_00 11:12

And I I have to shout out my administrative team for one, it's the same thing with with teachers. I think from my standpoint, I have great people that you know I can give an idea to, and they can take an idea and run with it. And if they have an idea, I can fully support it. But it doesn't happen without without them, without their buy-in. One thing without their investment. So I have an administrative team that's that's phenomenal, that's fully invested, and in each of their lanes, they execute. They execute at a high level. And, you know, I'm able to allow them to lead in that manner, and I think that's that's where great things happen for us all in the building.

SPEAKER_02 12:03

Sounds like you might need to write a book after this, but let's go to the next question. My book is ready. Okay. It's done. Okay, okay, all right. Um let's talk about Harding's CNA program.

SPEAKER_00 12:13

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 12:14

Um, it's a really exciting opportunity for students. So can you just share a little bit about this program for people that might not know?

SPEAKER_00 12:21

You know, um, I won't take full credit. Um, Mr. Corcrane has been invested for over 10 years. Um, he's been at the helm as an administrator. We're blessed to have Harding graduates, Ms. Garcia, uh, who is a nurse. So we we were really blessed in that capacity to have someone who is a nurse as the teacher. And then we have Dr. Cohen, who is relentless. She she's relentless, and it is a rigorous, rigorous program where our students are working very hard in their classes. There's college opportunities, they also go out for clinical experience at Lower Chamberlain. So it's very much a rigorous program. They're also getting their CNAs. And I had a parent, and it was a proud moment for me. Uh, I sat in with a parent who had a complaint that her child was being pushed too hard. And I said, that's what I want to hear. She's doing four hours of homework. And she said, I thought this, this is this is harding. Why is she working so hard? And I said, This is harding. And this is how rigorous our program is, but our students come out on top. And that student got a full scholarship.

SPEAKER_02 13:39

Wow.

SPEAKER_00 13:39

Full scholarship.

SPEAKER_02 13:40

Wow.

SPEAKER_00 13:41

Nothing to pay for. There's so many uh scholarship students coming out of that program. Um, as you saw, one of our students was highlighted on Channel 12. Yes. Um, she'll be doing an internship, I want to say in San Francisco. She plans on being a doctor. So we we're producing at a high level in that program, and I have to shout out all of their staff, uh, including Miss Alberti, who's one of one of your counselors, dedicated counselor to the program. So the dedication to that program, we're just we're seeing, we're seeing the results.

SPEAKER_02 14:21

I love that. And those are definitely the parent complaints we welcome. Yeah, right? That's a good complaint. Absolutely. I'll take that complaint. Any day. Yeah. Any day. So let's talk about something that sets you a little bit apart and raises the bar. And your unique ability to connect with students through music and even music videos. And tell us a little bit about that and how that's helped strengthen your relationship with students.

SPEAKER_00 14:46

Yeah, uh, so for me, prior to education, my dream was really to be an artist, and I really got to pair a job to support my artistry, and I'm just being totally transparent. I didn't know that, you know, my calling was to be an education. It was simply just a job to get me, you know, where I wanted to go. And I was reinvesting in the trying to get into the music industry. And the district, you know, saw the potential in me, which I'm thankful for, invested in me getting certified. And once I got certified, I kind of stepped away from trying to be in the industry or trying to get a record deal. So I kind of took a step back, but then when I started recreating, I began to create music that talked about my experiences in a way that was creative and very transparent. And a friend of mine who is a partner of mine in music, he told me, like, look, you you need to start releasing this music with these messages and kind of hone in on that. And with that, I made one of my first projects, which was called the Joe Clark Tape, after principal, uh Joe Clark in Patterson, New Jersey. And it really was an acclaimed project that, and I I really just I put the project out to speak about my experiences. But one of my main purposes was you have teachers from all over and some, you know, who are from suburban areas, but this project kind of gives you, gives you a glimpse of what the students you're servicing are going through. And that was kind of my purpose, but I saw the connections that it created. And uh hip hop is still a culture that's that transcends our students. They're still a part of that culture. So I didn't do it to specifically connect with students, but it just became an organically relatable thing about myself, and I understand the importance of creativity. So I continue, and a lot of my students, you know, which I appreciate, appreciate the message that the music has and the way that it's done. And I try to continue to create the music. One of the things I do every year is a graduation song to dedicate to each graduating class. So I try to keep the music going and the messages going because I think it's important to remain connected with hip hop as a culture, but it's a culture that our students embrace, and it's a culture that I grew up on.

SPEAKER_02 17:30

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 17:30

So it's a really important piece for me.

SPEAKER_02 17:33

That's amazing. And it sounds like your music video and your music almost provided like an education and a training, right? For some teachers or staff that might, like you said, might not know that be know this community as well. And this can help them learn more.

SPEAKER_00 17:49

Yeah, and that that was the purpose that I found in it. That, you know, music is is like a lesson. And it's a gift, and I thank God for that gift, and it's something that I want to utilize. So I think when you take on the the challenges of, you know, the way that people looked at Harding years ago, but when you come into these challenges, it's important that you use every gift that you have that can support our students, motivate, and create deeper connections. So I found that it was important and I also enjoy it.

SPEAKER_02 18:23

Absolutely. I mean, a book, music videos, what's next? Anything anything lined up?

SPEAKER_00 18:28

I think the book is what's next. Okay. I mean, that's the important thing. It's the book's title, From Paraprofessional to Principal, and it's it's, you know, my first series of it. But what I really talk about in the book is I had a reluctance to lead. I had to be, I was pushed into it, not in a bad way, by people who saw it in me. So I talk about the importance of mentorship, but there were leaders in the district, Ms. Koble and uh Dr. McPherson, who pushed me. I was I was reluctant to take on difficult challenges, but you know, I was pushed, and when I was complacent, I had people to push me. But then over time you learn to recognize when it's important for you to step up and take on leadership challenges. And for me, I think I'm an example of what Bridgeport public schools can be for anyone who wants to get in education. I started at the lowest possible position that you can come into, but I was trained and I learned. And uh great leaders poured into me and helped me develop, and that's how you get better. So I just think from my start to now, and you meet new people, you know. Dr. Avery coming in, just gave me a totally different perspective. And I'm not just saying that, right, but you know, you learn, and uh even with, you know, the criticism, um, positive criticism and the critiques on how we approach leadership, you learn to think different, you learn to open your mind, and you get new experiences. So I'm thankful for that, and my book is about the importance of that, but also recognizing when you need to take on greater challenges.

SPEAKER_02 20:21

Absolutely. Well, Brendan, before we, Principal Thompson, before we wrap up, you know, our our hope, our goal is that we increase listeners, um, that some of your students find this podcast and and are able to learn more about you and about leadership. And so for followers listening to encourage more followers, is there anything you want to share to the Bridgeport community?

SPEAKER_00 20:45

Uh what I want to share is, you know, I think we we have to get past what things were, see things where we're at, and recognize the growth. One important piece and part of growth is recognizing that you are growing. And just like Harding has totally uh changed from where it was, we were a turnaround school, we've taken a step out of that. But things, things have changed, things have grown. And a part of us growing and putting the city in a better place is acknowledging that growth and acknowledging where we are now. So I think those are really, really important things because things are changing. The city is not what it was 10 years ago. So it's important not just change, but embrace growth. I think it's important that you embrace the growth that you experience and the growth that you see. And especially those that are parents. Uh, when your child is growing, you want to recognize that. You want to embrace uh that growth because they're gonna continue to grow. But if we look at everyone for where they were at, it becomes hard to grow and it creates a chip on the shoulder and a negative view of things. So I think it's important to recognize positive growth and students that are listening. As you grow, give yourself credit, pat yourself on the back, and view yourself not for who you were, but who you are now. That's an important thing that we have to continue to do.

SPEAKER_02 22:18

Thank you. And Principal Thompson, thank you for your leadership, for sharing your vision with us today, and a huge congratulations to the entire Harding High School community on this incredible 100-year milestone. A shout out to your staff, your teacher leaders, your counselors, I mean, everyone over there, it sounds like it is an incredible team effort and it's working.

SPEAKER_00 22:40

Yes, and thank you to them. I'll be honest, you know, stepping in the leadership there is reluctance, but I was comfortable because of the teacher leadership that we had, the strong leaders, people that are invested in seeing the school go the direction that it needs to go.

SPEAKER_02 22:58

Absolutely. And so to wrap it up, to our students, families, and staff, thank you for your continued partnership and commitment. Together, we honor the past while building a strong future for every student. So thank you for listening to the voice of the district. And thank you, Vernon.

SPEAKER_00 23:14

Good, thank you.

SPEAKER_01 23:16

Many families are struggling to afford the essentials right now. If you're looking for a way to lower your energy bills, talk to us. We've got ways to help. We're your energy providers, UI, STG, and CNG. Our Home Energy Solutions Income Eligible Program can help keep the warm air in. Talk to us today. Call 877 YTU. That's 877 W I S E U S E. Paid for by a charge on customer energy bills.