Stambaugh Principal Aims to Make Classrooms the Most Magical Place On Earth

Entering his 20th year in education, Principal Landon Brown has learned a few things over the years. But what has not changed is his commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence – no matter the educational setting.
 
Brown, now starting his fourth year as principal of Stambaugh Charter Academy in Youngstown, made his way to Ohio by way of Georgia. He first got his educational bearings as a classroom teacher, earning him the 2003 Teacher of the Year at Lindley Middle School in Mableton, Georgia.

“The days as a classroom teacher are so vital,” said Brown. “In those moments of lesson plans, getting to know your students and ensuring they are improving is hard, but so worth it. Nothing beats seeing a student’s face when they finally grasp a concept they’ve worked so hard to understand.”

After his time in the classroom Brown moved into various leadership roles. In 2009 he was named the Georgia Association of Educators’ Administrator of the Year. 
 
In 2014, Brown made the move from Atlanta to Youngstown, Ohio. Since his time at Stambaugh, Brown has helped the school make significant strides towards excellence. Stambaugh is now positioned as a top school in the area.
 
National Heritage Academies (NHA), the school’s management company, awards Eagle Awards each year to qualifying schools. Under Brown’s leadership, Stambaugh has earned Eagle Awards for parent satisfaction, academic growth, and new teacher effectiveness. 
 
Brown’s favorite moment at Stambaugh was when his school received the 2016 Momentum Award for student growth. 
 
“Our value-added score of ‘A’ on the state report card illustrates the dynamic work of my teachers who showcase high care and dedication to urban excellence daily.”
 
In just his second year as principal, Brown was awarded the 2015 Ohio Association of Public Charter Schools’ (OAPCS) School Leader of the Year.
 
Brown has immersed himself into the local community, working diligently to bring local organizations into the school and to acclimate students through the help of great resources.
 
“I think community involvement is so important,” Brown said. “We have had Kiwanis of Youngstown, Boys and Girl Scouts, Mercy Community Church, Ryan’s Chair Barbershop, Zeta Phi Beta sorority, and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity all come visit our students and become involved in some way.”
 
Despite all of the awards he’s received over the years, Brown’s original motivation for choosing a career in education holds fast today.
 
“I enjoy facilitating and learning as a school principal. I believe that the classroom is still the most magical place on earth.”
 
Brown is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Youngstown State University. He is preparing to write his dissertation, which will focus on strategies to increase academic and school achievements though the step team model.