Horace Mann Elementary School Principal Peter Stewart was one of four Southern Tier educators recognized Wednesday by the New York State Senate. Principal Stewart received the Senate’s Commendation Award for his work at the school, as well as the impact he’s had on its families and surrounding community.
“Very humbled to receive this award. I’m a boots-on-the-ground kind of guy and I do it for the love of the kids,” Principal Stewart said. “It’s all about the relationships and connections we make with students and families in our community. My goal has always been to build a solid foundation of social/emotional well-being and academic readiness so that kids have a chance at having a great life.”
The New York State Senate Commendation Award is one of the highest honors given by the NYS Senate to New York residents, celebrating exceptional leadership and dedication. According to the Senate, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to their communities through volunteerism and service, with a focus on improving the lives of residents in the Southern Tier.
Mr. Stewart began enriching the lives of students and families within BCSD in 1995 as a teacher at MacArthur Elementary School. His first administrative role came outside BCSD, but he returned when the principal’s position opened at Horace Mann for the 2007-08 school year. Now it’s been 30 years total spent in education for a man who originally wanted to be a lawyer - until a friend talked him into substitute teaching in New York City where he grew up.
“I subbed for a day and I fell in love with it and said ‘this is what I want to do,’” Stewart said. “The inspiration came from seeing kids that couldn’t read or write, that were having trouble regulating their behavior, and knowing that I could make a difference for them.”
After 18 years as principal Mr. Stewart has seen thousands of students sit at the desks of Horace Mann Elementary, and dozens of different teachers at the front of the classrooms. Education has evolved as those students and teachers have come and gone, but his advice for them remains the same:
“Start with building relationships. Make the time to get to know your students, really make the time to know their families and make an authentic connection. Academics will follow, but it’s about the relationships first and then you go from there,” said Stewart.
While excited and honored, there was no time for additional celebration for Mr. Stewart. Following the award ceremony, it was back to Horace Mann to continue the important work of building all those critical relationships.