Longtime Gerald Adams principal and veteran educator, Dr. Fran Herrin has been chosen as Monroe County School District’s next Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, according to Superintendent Mark Porter. Herrin, will take over for current Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Theresa Axford, who moves to the district’s Superintendent role beginning 2020-2021 school year.
“The position of Executive Director of Teaching and Learning encompasses many facets,” Porter said. “Dr. Herrin’s knowledge and experience in the development, implementation, and supervision of curriculum instruction, as well as her passion for student success, makes her the right candidate to continue the outstanding tradition of exemplary, innovative leadership set forth by Theresa Axford.”
Herrin, a life-long Key West resident, brings with her a wealth of knowledge, gained from her thirty-two years working in education for Monroe County, as well as strong community ties in the Florida Keys. Herrin is a proud member of the KWHS class of 1984. Upon graduating from the University of South Florida in 1988 (she also holds a Master’s Degree from Troy University and Doctorate Degree from Walden University), Herrin returned to teach English, Business, and
Leadership at her alma mater for seven years. Herrin then served as KWHS’s Assistant Principal from 1995-2002, before moving to her current position as Principal of Gerald Adams Elementary in 2002. Herrin is well known for her strong commitment to student success, while focusing on all aspects of their wellbeing.
MCSD ESOL Coordinator, Natallie Liz, has witnessed, firsthand, how deeply Herrin cares about her students. “From the time I was a student at KWHS, where she was an assistant principal, to teaching under her supervision at Gerald Adams, to now working with her in my leadership role, her philosophy of overall student well-being has never wavered,” stated Liz.
“She always thinks outside the box and encourages teachers to explore their creativity by allowing them to be resourceful and collaborative in finding ways to meet the needs of students and their families.”
In addition to the admiration and respect of her students and coworkers, Herrin has garnered a long list of professional accolades. She earned MCSD Assistant Principal of the Year honors twice, and named MCSD Principal of the Year three times during her career. Herrin also received the prestigious Governor’s Point of Light award for her work in student equity. But perhaps the greatest endorsement comes from Theresa Axford, the person whose role she will be stepping into this fall.
“Fran is a strong, innovative leader, who truly cares about education,” said Axford. “I look forward to continuing to work together to prepare our students for the future, while create a lifelong love of learning.”
For her part, Herrin is proud of her school’s accomplishments and excited about her new position serving the students of Monroe County.
“In reflecting back over the past years, I’m thrilled about all the positive changes we have made at Gerald Adams, including the very strong increases in academic achievement, the focus on character, and the very positive changes in overall school culture,” Herrin said. “I am excited and hopeful to embark on this new journey and will continue to make education more about the whole child and less about the test scores.”
