As a new school year in Queens Preparatory Academy rolled in, we were met with the shocking news of the retirement of Principal Haywood, or former principal to be more accurate. Ms. Haywood, the first principal and founder of QPA sprung a surprise on us all when she suddenly retired from the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) 18 years after the school’s founding.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Tashon Haywood attended Midwood High School in Queens, moved on to Brooklyn College, and worked for the New York City Department of Education for 30 years until her announcement of retirement during the summer break this year.
A Legacy of Respect
Yet, even with her departure, since she is the school’s founder, her legacy is certain to live on with everyone who knew her, as well as those new to QPA. Ms. Haywood may be a retired employee of the New York City Department of Education, but she’s moving on leaving a lot of respect in the hearts of her now former colleagues.
“She’s very intelligent, creative, knew how to get things done, and was there for colored children,” said AP Richardson. “She brought positive things to this school from all her experiences, and by the time I was hired in 2011, the school was already running smoothly.”
A Dream Brought to Life
Ms. Rhonda Jeffrey who served as an assistant principal at QPA from 2007 to 2022, had a lot of praise to heap on her former colleague. “I’m humbled by this woman of color who had a dream and made it a reality. She wanted to create a space where students could have a quality education, and she worked hard to do so,” she said. “She was fearless in the pursuit of her vision, put her heart and soul into the work, and always kept moving forward despite the challenges.”
QPA’s former assistant principal Dahlia Jones also had a strong impression of Principal Haywood and her efforts. “I’m thankful to Principal Haywood for her support and confidence in my abilities” she said. “She empowered me to take on additional roles and learn new things. Working with her, I’ve learned to perfect my craft, because when you’re competent, your supervisor won’t have to micromanage and will allow you the space to do your job well.”
She added that Principal Haywood, “has a keen eye for choosing the right staff for the job. She has managed to employ some of the most exceptional teachers and staff I’ve come across. I can truly say that during my two-year tenure with Principal Haywood, she has allowed me to grow in my leadership capacity as assistant principal, and for that I thank her.”
A Goal-oriented and Charismatic Leader
When Principal Haywood founded the school, she did so with great ambitions and clear goals. Undoubtedly, those goals are what drove her staff to work and move with her over the years. Her ambition impressed and inspired them to go along with her plans.
“She was pushing ELA, and having student-centered learning was her thing,” said QPA music teacher Mr. Benson. “She was [also] very supportive of the arts.”
According to AP Richardson, “Her goals and vison were posted all over the school. They were called the 7 principles, her standards.”
Most notably, her biggest goal was to teach children of color how to measure their self-worth on their own terms and inspire them to reach for greater heights in educational fields, moral life and societal standing. Her vision of using education to empower the people she felt society look down upon was nothing short of inspiring.
Ms. Haywood may have retired, but her legacy will live on as long as Queens Preparatory Academy stands. Moreover, her standards will continue to be what we as a school strive to achieve because, well… that’s why she started the school in the first place.
