After earning her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Wayne County Community College District and Bachelor’s in Science and Education from Wayne State University, both in Detroit, Metria started her teaching career in a fourth grade classroom. She then took a middle school science teaching role and quickly discovered the joy of seeing “lightbulbs go off” for her students. “The kids loved it,” she said. “I was getting those same looks that I did when I was inspired by my science teacher.”
Her classroom began to come alive and run itself after she set her expectations, becoming a model for other teachers at her school. After working as a Dean for seven years, her principal encouraged her to become a principal so she could make a greater impact on more students.
Today, she serves as the principal of Reach Charter Academy and is in her 17th year at a National Heritage Academies (NHA) partner-school. In this role, Principal Washington empowers 600 students and staff at Reach to become their best selves: “The role of a leader really spoke to me,” she reflects. “I get to create an environment where both teachers and students can thrive.”
Metria views herself as a “mend” between families and the school, fostering strong parental partnerships that help students get the support they need both at home and in the classroom. Her regular “parking lot touchpoints” with parents and guardians – quick check-ins to see how things are going – are just one way she stays connected and responsive to the needs of the school community.
Her number one wish for every child is that they have someone in their lives who impacts them in a positive light. As a mother herself, Principal Washington sees the importance of children having kind, thoughtful adults outside of their parents that they can count on when they need guidance and words of encouragement. She often sits with students during lunch, offering a safe space for them to talk, be heard, and joke as human beings.
“Back when I taught science to today, I had students – ones who are grown and have kids now – saying that I inspired them: ‘You were another mom to me. You talked to me about anything.’ It meant a lot.”
Quick Facts:
- In addition to her degrees from Wayne County Community College District and Wayne State University, Principal Washington has two master’s degrees from Marygrove College in Curriculum Instruction and Leadership.
- Metria has an entrepreneurial spirit, previously working as a self-employed nail tech, opening a cleaning company, and pursuing fashion design.
- She also DJs on the side. Especially at family events, Metria is the one playing the music, ranging from old-school to smooth R&B to rap and jazz. Some of her favorite artists are Mary J. Blige, DMX, and October London. But perhaps the most surprising fact about her? She never drives on the expressway!
Check out a school near you!
About Reach Charter Academy
Reach Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Roseville, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Reach Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.