INTRODUCING
2020-2021
Mockingbird Elementary School
PRINCIPAL
Margaret "Maggie" Huff
Southern Methodist University, M.Ed: Educational Leadership
The University of Kansas, MSE: Higher Education Administration
Texas A&M University: BA: Political Science

Margaret Huff, known to just about everyone as Maggie, was born in the coastal town of Accra in Ghana. When she was 3 years old, her family migrated to the United States so that she and her siblings would have access to educational opportunities in the U.S. that weren't available to them in Ghana. A fluent speaker of Twi, the native language of Ghana, Maggie embraces the typically Ghanaian values of service and hospitality.

Maggie is excited to join Mockingbird Elementary School as the incoming Principal. Her career in education began as a Teach For America Corp Member serving as a 6th grade math teacher at Stockard Middle School in Dallas ISD. Since then she has taken on leadership roles in both Dallas ISD and Forth Worth ISD; including Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from and lead with some of the best leaders in all of North Texas as well as partner with exceptional organizations throughout her career.

Maggie firmly believes that the best teachers impact students' lives beyond the classroom and that every student has the capacity to create a better world. As a student, Maggie learned first-hand the power of the impact an educator can have on individual student's lives. Pushed by her high school AP English teacher (who taught her to knit), Maggie entered college, subsequently earning an undergraduate degree and two masters degrees. The first in her family to graduate college, Maggie discovered her passion for education when she was able to serve as an informal "guidance counselor" for others in her immigrant community learning how to navigate the American college system.

Maggie is eager to get to know the Mockingbird staff and community and begin to build relationships that will ensure our students become the agents of change they are meant to be. She looks forward to continuing the Mockingbird legacy of instructional excellence, engaged community, and celebration of diversity.

During her free time, Maggie enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones and husband, Nelson. A true Ghanaian, she particularly values serving others through hospitality and frequently hosts gatherings where she experiments with new recipes and enjoy the company of friends and family. She also adores her dog, Pippa.

Maggie's "Walk-Up" Song

Alicia Keys, 2012

Maggie follows "Master" Principal Melanie Mans who leaves Mockingbird after 5 years at the helm to pursue new adventures with Hurst-Euless Bedford ISD.
All Meet the Principal events will be via scheduled Zoom meetings.
Meet the New Principal
Tuesday, May 12

9:00am: Administrative & Office Team

4:00pm: Teachers & Staff

6:00pm: Parents and Community Members
Building the Mockingbird Principal Profile
Once Principal Mans announced her decision, Executive Director Danielle Petters brought the Mockingbird faculty & staff together to consider campus priorities and leadership skills needed for Mockingbird to continue to serve its students and their community at the highest levels.

Teachers & Staff reviewed Effective Schools research and then ranked what they felt was most important, thereby creating the Mockingbird Principal Profile .
Vetting Candidates
A big THANK YOU to the following Mockingbird stakeholders who listened to candidate's proposed 90 Day Entry Plan , asked interview questions, and then shared what they felt would be potential strengths and potential challenges to Executive Director Petters.
Selecting the Next Principal
How Dallas ISD matches leader talent to school needs
Mockingbird Elementary School
OUR VISION
Mockingbird will uphold the tradition of uniting families, community members, and staff to create an environment of diversity, tolerance, cultural awareness and academic excellence.

This sense of community will prepare students to become educated citizens, lifelong learners and stewards of this planet through academic, social, creative, and physical endeavors.

This exposure and experience will diversify their world view and propel them toward being successful adults.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Mockingbird Elementary is to uphold our academic excellence by implementing a rigorous curriculum and differentiated instruction designed to meet the needs of 21st century students.

All of our stakeholders – students, staff and parents –will help achieve this by creating and sustaining a positive and caring culture that will stand as an example in our district and community.
Mockingbird Elementary School
5828 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75206

Phone: ( 972) 749-7200