Rock Hill, SC - Dr. Robert Compton, Head of School of Riverwalk Academy, was recently named as the 2022 Inez Tenenbaum Leadership Award recipient. This annual recognition is awarded to one principal as part of the School Leadership Executive Institute (SLEI). In partnership with Truist Leadership Institute, the South Carolina Department of Education has developed and implemented a rigorous, seven-month institute for principals. The cohort is designed to enhance the principal's skills in three areas: Instructional Leadership, Leading Change, and Engagement and Motivational Strategies. Three sessions are conducted by Truist Leadership Institute with one of those sessions held in Greensboro, North Carolina. The remainder of the sessions are held at the Office of Educator Effectiveness and Leadership Development classroom in Columbia, South Carolina. Each cohort has approximately twenty-four educators from diverse backgrounds and schools.
At the conclusion of the program, participants nominate the person who has demonstrated consistently excellent leadership qualities and who has had the most positive impact on the class to receive the Tenenbaum Leadership Award. Lilla Toal Mandsager, Director, Office of Educator Effectiveness & Leadership Development, presented Dr. Compton with his award on Friday, September 23, 2022, during the SLEI Cohort Graduation Ceremony.
After receiving the award Compton said, “I was shocked. It is such an honor to not only be nominated, but to be selected from such an outstanding group of school leaders from throughout the state.”
Inez Tenenbaum served as South Carolina’s State Superintendent of Education from 1998 – 2006. Under her leadership, South Carolina led the nation in education improvement. SAT scores soared and students made notable gains as indicated by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Inez Tenenbaum set the standard for leadership and high performance for all and that tradition still exists in our state today. She is recognized nationally for her work in education.