For first time in decades, a Wisconsin principal earns national group’s honor

The principal of Brookfield East High School is Wisconsin’s first recipient of a national award in decades, thanks to his work on student mental health and suicide prevention at his alma mater.

“It’s a complete honor and really humbling at the same time,” Andrew Farley said of the 2024 National Principal of the Year recognition by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. “Still a little bit in shock.”

The Wisconsin Department of Instruction credits Farley with establishing the state’s first “Hope Squads,” which are mental health support groups for students where peer-nominated students provide help.

During an interview this week with Wisconsin Public Radio’s “The Morning Show,” Farley estimated 150 middle and high schools in the state now have the support groups. The concept originated years ago in Utah, he said.

“That’s an amazing student leadership group that works at building mental health, physical health and a total, comprehensive approach to wellness for kids,” Farley said. “And we know how important that is.”

Farley prioritized cultivating student leadership when he started as principal about a decade ago, he said. More than 90 percent of Brookfield East students are involved in one club, activity or sport, he said. The school also has a principal’s cabinet, a group of 60 to 70 students that meets weekly with Farley.

On “The Morning Show,” Farley also talked about his work to reduce achievement gaps and improve teacher retention.

Achievement gaps

The U.S. Department of Education this year recognized Brookfield East as one of its National Blue Ribbon Schools for the school’s work on closing achievement gaps.

Farley credited the skills and confidence of teachers at Brookfield East for that honor. Their work makes students feel safe, challenged and supported “to achieve academic excellence at rates that maybe they didn’t think were possible at the start of the class,” he said.

Last year, national test scores showed Wisconsin had the widest gap between Black and white students.

Relevant and rigorous instruction is key to closing those gaps, Farley said. Brookfield East offers more than 25 Advanced Placement courses without prerequisite requirements and students may access up to 18 college credits.

“Success beyond high school is connected to rigorous coursework at the high school level,” Farley said. “Access to high-level capstone (and) rigorous coursework is essential for all kids.”

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Teacher retention

Farley spoke highly of the 90 teachers he oversees at Brookfield East, saying it’s important they feel like they are part of a team. That team bonding, along with professional development, will help keep them satisfied and engaged in their jobs, he said.

Wellness and work-life balance are important as well, Farley said.

“Teaching is really complex. It’s more complex than my 12 years in the classroom as a high school social studies teacher,” he said. “How do we make sure that we’re equipping a sense of balance where you’re not ‘on’ 24/7?”

Pay and benefits are paramount to keeping teachers in their jobs, Farley said. He is proud the school added an on-site health clinic, which gives teachers the chance to get their child same-day health care for free.

“That’s a benefit that changes the lives of teachers, educators and me as a principal,” he said. “On-site health care has been a game changer for us.”

Keeping teachers around will benefit students, Farley said.

“The constant churn or transition of teachers — we know the impact that has on kids,” he said. “We’re trying to work tirelessly to keep an amazing staff together.”