Brenda Wilks was named Maryland’s Assistant Principal of the Year for her community-building work at Gaithersburg High School. In the words of the ninth-graders she counsels, “Ms. Wilks don’t play.”
Describe your average day.
Ha! I hit the ground running at 6:45, though I’m up at 4 for swim practice at 5. That unwinds me before the day starts. Last night I was at a Board of Education meeting till 8:30, and on football nights, I have to wait till the last kid is picked up, so that’s around 10:30. I have a very understanding husband.
What inspired you to work with English as a second language students?
I’m an Army brat and we traveled extensively in my youth. During high school, we moved to Thailand and I went to the International School of Bangkok. I was illiterate in Thai, so I completely identify with kids coming into this country not being able to understand, read or write, because I’ve been there.
What bothers you most about society’s impression of teens?
It infuriates me to hear low expectations of teens; it just incenses me. Even with kids who are struggling, I’m just so glad I’ll be with them for four years in Gaithersburg to watch them mature and develop. The sky is the limit. When you can instill that in a young person’s mind, everything else just falls into place and they demonstrate to all the doubters that they can achieve.
What direction do you see the administrator’s role heading?
It used to be that assistant principals were for discipline, but modern administrators at the high school level are becoming facilitators for teachers.
Any interesting accolades since winningAssistant Principal of the Year?
The Navy called and the Blue Angels want to take me up in an F-18 fighter jet. I just hope I don’t embarrass Gaithersburg by throwing up in the cockpit.
