West Platte Selects New Elementary Principal

West Platte Selects New Elementary Principal
Posted on 01/04/2019
Hayet Woods' PicturePress Release

West Platte Selects New Elementary Principal

Weston, MO, January 4, 2019 The West Platte School District Board of Education has selected Dr. Hayet Woods as the next principal of West Platte Elementary.

Dr. Woods comes to West Platte from a successful teaching and administrative background. She began her teaching career in Kearney, Missouri, where she taught elementary school for six years and middle school for four years. While in Kearney, Dr. Woods also served as head coach for the high school dance team. She led the district’s professional development program for four years. The following year, she became the instructional technology specialist for the Independence School District Middle Schools. In this position, Dr. Woods worked closely with staff members to increase technology use and improve classroom instruction. She facilitated the Generation I Grant which put students in the teacher’s role delivering technology lessons for staff. This program helped empower both students and teachers to build technology skills and to build positive and supportive relationships. While serving in this position, Dr. Woods’ position expanded to serve as the director of second grade instruction for the district as well as mentoring new staff to the district. Dr. Woods also served as an assistant principal at Bridger Middle School (Independence) before serving as the assistant principal at Smithville Middle School. Most recently, Dr. Woods has served as the building principal of Smith-Hale Middle School followed by Symington Elementary School, both in the Hickman Mills C1 School District, with a focus on improving the culture and climate of both buildings by promoting positive relationships and putting structures in place to improve classroom management and instruction.

Dr. Woods is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She and her husband, Ken, have two children, Patrick and Henry. Dr. Woods has served as a mentor for new principals in the state through the Missouri Leadership Development System. She is also an active adjunct professor for both Park University and the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Woods graduated from Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Soon after, she finished a Master of Science Degree, in Instructional Technology from Lesley University (Boston, MA). She later completed her Specialist in Education Degree in Educational Leadership. She completed her Doctorate of Education Degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.
When asked about the opportunity to serve as principal at West Platte Elementary School, Dr. Woods was very optimistic: “I have been involved with several families from this community over the years through sports and have always heard and seen great things from the youth. I am ecstatic to begin my work with the staff, students, families, and community. I am an instructional leader and have been impressed with everything I have seen so far and look forward to rolling up my sleeves and diving in with the staff. I believe together we will partner for continuous improvement. I plan to meet with all staff members to learn about West Platte Elementary through their eyes to preserve the amazing things that have been put in place. I know I have big shoes to fill, Ms. Henshaw has been very gracious and we will work as a team to ensure the transition is smooth for all. I look very forward to getting to know the staff, students, families, and community members of West Platte.”