by Journalism Class

New assistant principal Maychel Harris brings more than three decades of MCPS experience—including as a security guard, paraeducator, English teacher, resource teacher, and assistant athletic director—to his job. Harris previously worked as an administrator for 10 years at Springbrook; he replaces Sandi Williams, who left Sherwood to become an assistant principal at Wheaton.

Harris’s first MCPS job, at age 18, was as a building services worker at Whitman—a job that enabled him to receive medical and dental insurance. While working in the school system, Harris attended college as a criminal justice major, and he later earned two advanced degrees in education from Johns Hopkins University.

Working in a variety of capacities in the schools made Harris realize that he wanted to pursue a career in education, not in criminal justice.

“I spent my day watching kids and watching the dynamics in schools,” said Harris. “I saw the value of teaching and that the right teacher and the right approach can determine whether or not the kids were engaged and if they were able to benefit from the instruction.”

Harris first became an administrator in 2000. “I have a job to lead and guide others to success,” said Harris, who also has been the the lead administrator at several summer schools. “It’s about high expectations and mentoring kids,”

A cornerstone of his educational philosophy is that Harris firmly believes that any student can succeed despite any challenges that he or she may face, and he points to his own experiences as a student.

“When I was younger, I felt that teachers spoke faster than I could listen and record,” Harris recalled. “As a result, I often missed the most important parts of the lecture. I would now say it was largely to do with auditory processing and organization/note taking skills. While I have developed the necessary skills to compensate for these learning issues, I keep a lens open for students who are suffering with this challenge; I often talk with teachers about how to help learners with this profile find success.”

As Sherwood’s assistant principal assigned to oversee the Freshman Class, Harris is confident that he will see today’s ninth graders grow academically and personally over the next four years. He is quick to encourage them with advice to guide them on a successful path.

“Invest in yourself deeply,” he recommends to students. “Make careful choices around your friends and your activities,your endeavors. Involve yourself in extracurriculars, too; it helps with time management and structure … Make sure your circle is a circle of people who are driven towards success.”

Harris can be seen every day in the hallways, laughing and talking with students. His enthusiasm extends to his own life. Married and father of a 15-year-old daughter, Harris tries to find time to pursue his passion for riding motorcycles and is a member of a weekend motorcycle club.

“You can see, hear, and feel the freedom [on a motorcycle]. You experience things that you otherwise wouldn’t experience in a car.”

photo by Kayla Cohen ’17