Marcia S. Reed, principal of 186th Street Elementary School in Gardena, was selected as California’s 2016 National Distinguished Principal as part of a state-wide search conducted by the Association of California School Administrators, according to Elementary Principal Representative Ron Tanimura.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals established the program in 1984 to celebrate elementary and middle-level principals, who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for their learning communities.
“At the helm of every successful school is a successful principal,” said Gail Connelly, executive director of the elementary school principals group. “Our National Distinguished Principals program provides us with an opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership of these principals and their commitment to creating successful learning communities. Because of them, students thrive academically, teachers grow professionally, and communities are strengthened.”
Reed, a graduate of USC, previously served as assistant principal, coordinator, and teacher. She has been principal of 186th St. Elementary School since 2004. The school is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
In October, Reed will attend two days of activities in Washington, D.C., during which elementary and middle school educators by state, the District of Columbia, as well as private and overseas schools will be recognized.
The principals lead programs that benefit all students, both academically and socially. In addition, the principals must have established community ties with parents and local business organizations.
Under Reed’s leadership, 186th St. Elementary School became a 2016 California Gold Ribbon Award School and a 2016 Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School.
Recently, Takeshi Uchiyamada, chairman, Toyota Motor Corp. honored Reed at the Society of Automotive Engineers 2016 World Congress in Detroit for her commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Known collectively as STEM, educators weave together these four subject areas into a cohesive learning program that prepares students to pursue careers in these fields.
Reed also received an Outstanding Community Partner Award from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Tau Beta Omega Society, and received numerous awards for her work with Toyota.
Reed and her husband, Marty, live in Long Beach, and have three adult children.
