Angela Stephens Selected as DoDEA’s 2022 Principal of the Year

The Department of Defense Education Activity is pleased to announce Angela Stephens, principal of Bolden Elementary Middle School at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, as the DoDEA’s 2022 Principal of the Year.

“Dr. Stephens’ impact on student achievement, social-emotional wellness, and her ability to form strong partnerships with parents and community stakeholders is a shining example in DoDEA,” said DoDEA Director Thomas M. Brady. “Simply put, Dr. Stephens is committed to taking care of our students.”

"I'm so humbled and it's truly been an honor to serve military-connected kids for all these years." An educator with 24 years of experience, Stephens said, "I've had some amazing role models in DoDEA that really molded me into the administrator I am."

Americas Director for Student Excellence Judith A. Minor says Stephens exemplifies the type of positive, professional leadership that makes a difference in the lives of the students and staff.

“Dr. Angela Stephens is a true educational leader. Prior to and during the pandemic, she has supported her team, built trust with families and kept children safe. We are so very fortunate to have her as a leader in DoDEA Americas!” said Minor.

About Angela Stephens
Angela Stephens has 24 years of teaching experience with DoDEA schools. She has taught third grade, science and math labs, math instructional support, and math at Laurel Bay Intermediate School and Bolden Elementary School in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Stephens earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from South Carolina State University, a master’s in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, and her doctorate from Argosy University.

Stephens advocates for curricular reform in mathematics. According to the Committee on Economic Growth of The Conference Board, "improving the math and science skills of young people is an important step toward maintaining innovation-led economic growth in the coming decade. As educators, we must go beyond how we were taught and teach as we wish we had been taught."

Not only is she an effective principal, she works outside her duties to serve in multiple capacities, including contributing to the following committees: • DoDEA Americas Southeast District Principal Advisory Council • DoDEA Americas Southeast District Diversity Equity and Inclusion Team • DoDEA Americas Response to Intervention/ Multi-Tiered System of Support Team

She is married to Clarence Stephens and has two sons, Chance and Austin.

About DoDEA’s Principal of the Year Program
The DoDEA Principal of the Year Program recognizes outstanding school principals who have succeeded in leading high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession. The process begins at the local level, where principals are nominated by peers, employees, parents, students or community members. Then, one of the regional awardees is selected as the DoDEA Principal of the Year.

As this year’s Principal of the Year, Stephens receives several recognitions, including attending an educational leadership conference to support professional growth and DoDEA initiatives and receiving two financial awards – one for her school and one for her. Additionally, she now will compete in a national principal recognition program.

About Department of Defense Education Activity
DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education programs for school-age children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to local educational agencies throughout the United States that serve children of military families.