On Monday, August 12, 2024, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means’ recommendation to appoint Ms. Monique Porter as the Principal of Longfellow Middle School.
“We are confident in the appointment of Ms. Porter in this role. Her expertise and priorities are a reflection of our mission, vision and core values,” stated Dr. Eric Jessup-Anger, School Board President. “Ms. Porter will be an excellent fit at Longfellow Middle School, where I am confident that she will build lasting relationships with staff and students, continue in the pursuit of excellence and foster an exceptional educational experience for every student.”
Porter is a dedicated and organized educational leader with extensive experience in administrative leadership. She brings more than 15 years of expertise to this position, having served in administrative roles at Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee College Prep and, most recently, Homestead High School, where she took a lead role in teacher evaluation, professional development and policy and procedure review. She has also served as an educator at Homestead High School, Milwaukee College Prep, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Saint A’s, and as a paraprofessional at Milwaukee Public Schools. As a student-focused leader, Porter holds a strong commitment to continuous improvement, diversity, and creating a safe, inclusive learning environment. Throughout her years as an educator, Porter has earned a reputation as an exceptional team player who is dedicated to student success. Her zone of genius is in connecting with people and building positive relationships in support of student learning, and she is well-versed in high quality instruction, having served as an instructional leader in one of Wisconsin’s top-performing high schools. Porter earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Business Administration, as well as a Masters of Administrative Leadership and Masters of Human Resources and Labor Relations from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She also earned a Special Education Teacher Certification and Masters of Education degree from Lakeland College.
Porter states, “It is with great appreciation that I acknowledge my selection for this rewarding role, which closely corresponds with my educational beliefs. I am genuinely enthusiastic about this opportunity and I am eagerly looking forward to serving the students, staff, and families at Longfellow Middle School.”
“I am confident that Ms. Porter will be an incredible asset to Longfellow Middle School,” said Wauwatosa School District Superintendent Dr. Demond Means. “Her passion and leadership will serve as a springboard for Longfellow’s continuous improvement efforts, and her strengths in fostering a healthy culture that focuses on student success will surely have a direct impact on the Longfellow community.”
The District followed a robust screening and interview process including two interview teams. After the initial interviews, each team identified candidates strengths and areas of growth. Porter was noted to demonstrate particular strengths as a champion for educational equity, diversity, access and inclusion along with skillful communication and collaboration. The teams were also excited about Porter’s evidence of building a culture for learning. She also participated in secondary interviews with Divisional Chiefs and Superintendent Dr. Demond Means.
Porter’s contract begins on August 19, 2024.
The District is cognizant of the interest in Ms. Porter’s appointment as the next principal of Longfellow Middle School. To that end, we cordially invite community members to a welcome reception for Ms. Porter on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Longfellow Middle School. A second reception will be scheduled for August 27, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m., also at Longfellow Middle School. Additional specifics will follow in the coming days. Community members are encouraged to attend the welcome reception(s) and meet Ms. Porter. She will be available to make a brief presentation and discuss questions with community members.