Growing up, she put her passion to use, always assuming the role of teacher in her childhood mock classrooms. Herard’s educational leadership stuck when she was the student, often leading group projects. She would go out of her way to help her friends and classmates with their studies as a college student at Alabama State University.
She became a first-generation college graduate in 2003 when she earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. Herard went on to receive a Master of Education in instructional education from Central Michigan University in 2005 and earned a Ph.D. in leadership and administration from Capella University in 2013.
Whether it was a pretend classroom as a child, or a real classroom as an educator, care and compassion have been cornerstones of Herard’s educational foundation. Using the same principles with parents is an emphasis for Herard, who most recently nurtured these relationships as a dean at a National Heritage Academies’ partner-school in Indiana from 2022-2024.
“Parental partnership is essential to academic success,” Herard said. “We want to make sure parents are updated so they can regularly understand the performance of their scholars. It’s important to keep them informed with the changes taking place in education.”
While her compassion is ingrained into her philosophy, Herard’s favorite Moral Focus virtue is perseverance. This should come as no surprise given her actions to help students learning from home. Herard would go out of her way during the pandemic, driving as many as 30 miles to deliver school supplies and food to students in need.
Herard brings the same perseverance to school every day, aiming to overcome an everchanging society and educational landscape. Instead of Math or English, perseverance and compassion are the subjects she’s teaching her students and staff.
It’s this culmination of passions and priorities that makes Herard a role model in her new role as principal.
“Being a positive leader in my school community is my motivation,” Herard said. “Students look forward to seeing us, and that’s what motivates me every day. Being able to greet them every day and knowing they look up to me is special.”
Quick Facts:
- Principal Herard is crafty in her free time as an avid sewer. She has been an amateur seamstress her whole life, and has even made herself an outfit from scratch.
- She loves to go outside and enjoy the sunsets Muskegon has to offer. Herard enjoys seeing the ducks on her nightly walks.
- Principal Herard loves daily inspiration and messages. A part of her daily routine is to read from a book full of inspirational quotes.
Check out a school near you!
Timberland Charter Academy
Timberland Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Muskegon, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes 99 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.
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