Westfield High School Principal Tim Thomas: 2013 FCPS Principal of the Year

Tim Thomas, who has served as principal at Westfield High School since 2006 and has worked for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for 21 years, has been named the FCPS 2013 Principal of the Year and is the recipient of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award. 

Thomas is one of 21 principals–representing the public school systems in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and private schools–selected by the Washington Post for the award.          

Dynamic, enthusiastic, diplomatic, courageous, and supportive are words used by the myriad of supporters who nominated Thomas for the Principal of the Year award. From his philosophy of educating the whole child to his involvement of parents and community members in school events, Thomas has created a culture of inclusion and made Westfield a hub for the community where parents continue to volunteer long after their children have graduated.

“His energy has a way of motivating people like few others can do,” says assistant principal Virginia Miller, who adds that Thomas’ open door policy is just one example of his willingness to listen to opinions and suggestions from all constituents. “He is approachable, sensible, practical, honest, direct, realistic, and with a compassionate work ethic,” adds PTSA past president and instructional assistant Jennifer Campbell. “Tim’s collaborative style makes him easy to work with; he is continually receptive to new ideas and feedback from the parent community such as keeping honors classes, allowing security cameras, and hiring a reading specialist.”

Members of the Westfield instructional council, a group of 18 teacher leaders, say that Thomas “encourages school-wide programs that foster student achievement and better behavior;” Westfield is considered a pioneer in the integration of Restorative Justice practices in FCPS, and Thomas and his staff have shared their strategies with other district administrators. Thomas is also praised for his enthusiasm and receptivity to suggestions to improve academics. 

Last summer, the English department proposed the Westfield Reads initiative, whereby each member of the student body and faculty would read the same book over the summer and have subject-based discussions in class when school resumed in September. Thomas supported the idea, purchased copies of the book for all employees, and encouraged parents to read it as well. 

“Three years ago, the Health and Physical Education department chair approached Mr. Thomas with the idea of a ‘girls only’ personal fitness class,” said Miller. Designed as part of an effort to fight obesity, the class would include yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and step aerobics, methods of exercise that girls could continue to pursue throughout their lives. “Because of Mr. Thomas’s encouragement and innovative thinking, the teacher was allowed to start the class. The interest spread, and this teacher shared this experience with other FCPS high school department chairs. Several schools have now started girls’ fitness classes at their own schools,” she explains.

“While our children are held to high academic expectations, they also learn responsibility, respect, and kindness at Westfield,” says nominator Trish Stach, parent of a current student and two Westfield alumni. “They learn to go outside their comfort zone and are inspired to try new things. They direct plays, write original music, choreograph musicals. They participate in debates, coach younger children, and give up their Saturday mornings to tutor.” 

Thomas is praised for the way he makes all students feel welcome at Westfield. When a new student was touring the building and Thomas realized she didn’t speak English, he introduced himself and welcomed her in Spanish. He attends as many extracurricular events as possible, both in Fairfax County and around the state, and participates in numerous student, parent, and community meetings and committees during and after the school day ends in an effort to make connections with students and families. Thomas has employed a number of intervention programs for underperforming students, including the Principal’s Cabinet and the M&M mentoring program, and supports Hispanics al Progresso, a Hispanic parents group, providing information and new ideas to members throughout the year. Athletic booster board member Tim Shaughnessy says, “Tim has done a marvelous job linking our booster groups, youth associations, community stakeholders, and business leaders to forge a very unique and powerful support network for Westfield students.” Hailed by many nominators as the ultimate team player, Thomas can be found plowing snow, manning the grill for a faculty tailgate, cleaning up a spill in the hallway, moving furniture for a teacher, or showing off his dance moves at a pep rally.

Thomas began his career in FCPS in 1992 as a Spanish teacher at Centreville High School. He became assistant principal at Centreville in 2000, then moved to Westfield to serve as assistant principal in 2002, a position he held until being named principal in 2006. Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish from George Mason University (GMU), his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at GMU, and an administrative endorsement from the University of Virginia.

Evan Glazer, principal at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was a finalist for the FCPS 2013 Principal of the Year award.

(Editor's note: This announcement was provided by Fairfax County Public Schools.)