Springdale educator Stacy Perry blends classroom teaching with school culture leadership

Stacy Johnson Perry, a veteran Springdale Public Schools educator, is using a self-created School Culture Liaison role at Central Junior High to address behavior, communication and student support for more than 900 students. Her approach draws on 38 years in education, decades of coaching and a focus on consistency, relationships and student success.

Why it matters: - Stacy Johnson Perry’s role at Central Junior High shows how one educator can shape both academic instruction and school climate. - The School Culture Liaison model is aimed at improving behavior, accountability and communication for more than 900 students. - Perry’s work highlights a growing emphasis on student support systems that combine discipline with relationship-building.

What happened: - Perry is completing her 38th year in education while serving Springdale Public Schools in Springdale, Arkansas. - Perry teaches geometry at Central Junior High and also serves as the school’s School Culture Liaison. - Perry proposed and developed the School Culture Liaison position herself. - The role focuses on minor discipline issues, including tardiness, dress code violations, ID lanyard compliance, cell phone use and truancy.

The details: - Perry uses the role to keep communication open among students, teachers, administrators and families. - Perry provides teachers with feedback on outcomes and next steps. - Perry also communicates with parents to support student growth and accountability. - Perry says the program is built on consistency and active listening. - Perry says the goal is to help students develop responsibility, make better choices and feel supported at school. - Before moving into the leadership role, Perry spent 20 years coaching, with a focus on gymnastics. - Perry was named Arkansas High School Gymnastics Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2008. - Perry was inducted into the Springdale Schools Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. - Perry has taught Algebra I, Pre-AP Algebra I and II, and Pre-AP Geometry. - Perry has used technology tools such as Quizizz in instruction. - Perry has also mentored and collaborated with fellow educators. - Perry earned a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University in 2020. - Perry is exploring doctoral study focused on the school culture program she developed. - Perry is a first-generation college graduate raised by a single parent. - Perry credits her mother for teaching her to earn scholarships through strong grades and hard work. - Perry credits administrators and mentors, especially over the past decade, with helping her find her place in education. - Perry also credits her husband for steady support throughout her personal and professional journey. - More information is available through Perry’s Influential Women profile.

Between the lines: - Perry’s career blends athletics, teaching and behavior management into a single student-centered approach. - The School Culture Liaison role reflects a practical response to everyday school issues that can affect learning if they go unaddressed. - Perry’s emphasis on patience and reflection suggests a leadership style built on de-escalation rather than punishment alone. - Her plans for doctoral study point to an interest in testing and refining the model with research.

What's next: - Perry plans to continue developing the strategies behind her School Culture Liaison program. - Perry hopes research in doctoral study could help validate approaches to school culture, discipline and student behavior management. - Perry is encouraging young women in education to keep learning, stay patient and think before responding. - Perry says educators should never stop learning because education continues to evolve.

The bottom line: - Perry’s work at Central Junior High is a case study in how one educator can combine classroom teaching, coaching experience and schoolwide support to influence student outcomes.