Jordan Henry, principal at 49th Street Elementary School

What inspired you to become an educator and, now, a school principal?

I was inspired to be an educator in the mid-1990s when there was a teacher shortage and children across Los Angeles were experiencing consecutive years of no teacher or substitute teachers. At the time, I was new to LA, working two part-time jobs outside of education, and this situation challenged me to jump in with my fresh college degree and be part of the solution. 

After many years of teaching, as the age gap between me and my students grew, I began to notice or imagine that I was as or more effective working with peers than I was with students.  This led me down an intentional path to collaborate with, affirm, challenge, develop, and support my peers.  And now I get to do that 24/7.

What excites you most about leading your school in your community?

What’s exciting about working at a school is that the adults who surround you have chosen a career and a calling that is about helping others–students, families, not self.  And I get to do that at a school where many parents were once high school students of mine, and so were some employees/colleagues. It’s exciting to grow with and among generations in Historic South Central, and to know the same people but in different contexts – as students, as neighbors, as parents, as colleagues, etc.

How has the Partnership supported your professional development?

The Partnership supported me as a teacher to become a teacher leader, as a teacher leader to become an assistant principal, as an assistant principal to become a principal, and they are supporting me now as principal to assure the continued growth of myself, my students, and my staff.

How do you connect with students and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the school’s future?

I connect with students daily on the yard, at lunch, in classes, and on my bike ride to/from work.  I’ve got to do better in making sure students’ voices are heard in determining the school’s future; that’s what the 4th and 5th graders told me in last year’s School Experience Survey.

Who was a teacher or mentor who shaped your own journey, and what lesson did they leave with you?

My high school physics teacher Mr. Wisz was unconventional, unpredictable, and unapologetic.  He was also a state-recognized educator. He showed me then that teaching and learning should include joy and surprise, and should be authentic to those taking part. 

When did you first become principal of your current school?

I became Principal at 49th Street ES at the beginning of the 2023 school year.

What’s something students or staff might be surprised to learn about you (a hidden talent, favorite music/TV show, first job, or go-to snack)?

I was a professional musician from age 15 to 34.  I’ve played with some of the best musicians and at some of the best venues in Los Angeles. I hope to return to that someday.

Where did you go to college or grad school?

I went to Yale College for undergrad and USC for graduate school.