Her Story
About Sugeily
Sugeily Dolhon is an education leader with 25 years of experience in school administration, special education, instructional design, curriculum development, and leadership. She currently serves as an assistant principal at a high school in Florida after previously serving as an elementary school principal for a little under two years. Her background includes roles as a classroom assistant, clerical work, teaching social studies and other content areas, dean of students, virtual school teacher on district platforms and with Florida Virtual School, and adult education instructor at the Adult Learning Center. She recently completed her doctorate on teacher efficacy and has been recognized as Assistant Principal of the Year for leading significant school grade improvement post-COVID, moving a school from a D to a C rating. Her professional strengths center on building teacher capacity through coaching, cultivating school culture focused on student interests, and developing future educators and administrators. She is pursuing membership in Lambda Theta sorority and is a member of ALAS and the Elementary and Middle School Principals Association.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sugeily
01What do you attribute your success to?
My support group at home has been key to my success. I am blessed with a wonderful husband who is a practicing attorney, two beautiful daughters, and a really great supportive family. A few of us are in education. It really does take a village for any individual seeking to continue to professionally grow.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In education I was always told remember your classroom just got bigger. That really put things into perspective when I started my journey as an administrator. No one really knows what to do until you are in that situation. Always keep your home happy. That has stuck with me 100 percent and helped put a lot of my decision-making into perspective.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I ask every student teacher two questions: Are you sure? And why? Education is a calling like priesthood. You have to be sure that you love it and know your drive. We are servant leaders responsible for shaping minds and cultivating future educators. You really have to see it in that longevity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The main challenge right now is student enrollment which is based on our budget. Parents really need to understand what public school offers before choosing a charter school. In Florida a lot of parents consider charter schools but need more knowledge on the opportunities public school offers.
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