My educational career has truly come full circle. The city of East Orange and its public schools literally saved my life and changed the trajectory of my family. In 1981, my younger brother and I witnessed a murder in the Hayes Homes projects in the City of Newark. Upon retrieving and embracing her two sons, my mother whispered in our ears, “I have to save you and get you out of this environment.” Within a year, I found myself at Patrick F. Healy Middle School, C-Building. At C-building I was introduced to African history, hip-hop and the Boys Scout: Troop 44. My family only stayed in East Orange for one year before moving to a little town called Penns Grove in Salem County, New Jersey. However, being introduced to my history, hip-hop culture and mentoring via Troop 44, are foundational for the man I am today.

A decade later in 1993, I returned to East Orange for my initial field experience at Clifford J. Scott High School which led me to become a teacher at Clifford J. Scott and East Orange Campus High School. Subsequently, I was promoted to the following school leadership positions Department Chairperson at West Side High School, Vice-Principal at Weequahic High School, Speedway K-8, and Central High School. Additionally, I served as Principal for Evergreen Elementary and Plainfield High School in Plainfield, New Jersey and East Orange Campus High School. The depth and breadth of my school leadership experience and success uniquely qualifies me to lead Patrick Francis Healy Middle School.

My multilayered contribution in program initiatives coupled with my ability to maximize student learning experiences through teacher efficacy, the establishment of PLCs, professional/staff development, curriculum design and strong competent administrative leadership, are my tools for success. Additionally, I have worked closely with teachers, parents and community stakeholders to create safe environments that promoted learning. I am committed to making a difference during these times when leadership is paramount. These are critical times in our community, State and Nation; leadership matters! Everything rises and falls based on the quality and quantity of leadership. I am a school leader that is committed to listening, learning, leading and building bedrock relationships with students and staff.

Personally, I seek daily to submit my will to Christ and the best of Afrocentric thought and practice. I am a husband, father of four, grandfather, son, brother, friend and continual student. My life’s mission statement reads, “I am the answered prayer of my ancestors, iPray.” To this end, I work every day to live up to my three core values: honesty, integrity and consistency. With all my human fragility, I labor to add value and create better outcomes for the generations behind me.

I am extremely humbled and excited to be your Principal and colleague.

Yours in Service,

Mr. Worley