Dr. Pamela Cosme-McDonnough
I am a dedicated educator and the principal of one of the largest middle schools in Palm Beach County.
Recognized as a Top 3 Finalist for Florida's Innovative Principal of the Year as well as named SDPBC PBSCA'S Middle School Principal of the Year, I have built & fostered a reputation for excellence through cultural transformation.
At the heart of my leadership is a simple but powerful philosophy: greatness is maintained through habits.
By fostering an environment where teachers are empowered to love their craft and students are prioritized above all else, I ensure that "innovation" isn't just a buzzword- it's a daily practice.
• Bachelors from FAU; Masters from Nova Southeastern Univeristy; Specialist from Nova Southeastern University; Doctorate- Lynn University
What do you attribute your success to?
I've realized a trust some overlook and that's that the student experience will never exceed the teacher experience.
By focusing on getting teachers to love their jobs and overlook what they may initially believe are "barriers", I am able to create a trickle-down effect of enthusiasm and attitude of belief.
Belief that we can overcome just about anything.
My success is rooted in being the first person on this campus who isn't afraid of taking risks- therefore, empowering my teachers and students to do so, too.
I understand that a supported and passionate teacher is a school's greatest asset!
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The ultimate advice from a principal of a massive school is that the reality is...while you can't be in every classroom at once.
I learned early in my position that my job isn't necessarily to "police" behavior, rather it's to architect culture that's so strong that the standards remain HIGH even when I am busy in a meeting or off campus! I've realized that my legacy isn't just my own work, BUT rather it's the environment I leave behind.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Remember that "innovation" isn't always about a "new shiny thing"- it's about being able to solve problems better than they were solved previously.
I'd remind young women who are new to the role that real innovation is being able to find a system that works and having the discipline to stick with it until it becomes a habit.
Excellence is what happens when you don't let the small things slip.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
PBC is currently navigating a significant enrollment decline.
Between the high cost of living, the explosion of private school vouchers, public schools are now in a competitive market- more than ever!
THIS is the time where your "brand" as an innovative school, leadership team, principal becomes a strategic asset. We have this awesome opportunity to market our school's culture, and habit of greatness as a premier product, proving that the scale of our school offers opportunities- from academic ones to athletics!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my world, integrity isn't just about doing the right thing- it's about doing it every single time.
No one is perfect, and I'll be the first to acknowledge I am far from perfect.
I do believe that habits are how greatness doesn't slip- I mentioned that fact in my bio- so this is definitely a value that is only real to me, but I try to make it routine.
This translates to being a person of my word.
If I say I'm going to be somewhere or do something, I am going to be there; I am going to do it!
I value the small wins that build a life of character.
