Patrick Galatowitsch, an adjunct faculty member at the University of Central Florida and the principal at Fern Creek Elementary School in Orlando, is one of three principals statewide honored with the 2012 Leonard Miller Principal Leadership Award.
The award is given each year to education leaders who show increased student achievement, the ability to empower and develop staff members, and a commitment to working with business and community partners to better their schools. Winners earn a $10,000 award.
Galatowitsch teaches in the College of Education’s School of Teaching, Learning and Leadership. He also leads a school with one of Orange County’s highest homeless student populations.
Fern Creek has drawn the attention of national and international media for commitment to excellence displayed throughout the campus, especially considering the needs of its students. Since 2005, Fern Creek has been rated “A” by the state Department of Education six times and “B” twice. The 2012 school grade is “B.”
The school was also featured in a 2011 article by The New York Times.
Leonard Miller was the founder of the Council for Educational Change. His belief was that principal leadership is the key to unlocking school improvement. The organization is a statewide, non-profit whose mission is to focus on leadership in addressing student achievement and addressing critical education issues.
To learn more about the College of Education, visit http://education.ucf.edu.