WEST COLUMBIA, SC -- Fulmer Middle School Principal Megan Carrero has been named the 2022 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).
An unsuspecting Carrero was called Thursday afternoon into Fulmer’s media center, where SCASA Executive Director Beth Phibbs surprised her with the news, to cheers from Lexington Two and Fulmer administrators, along with members of Carrero’s family.
Carrero has been at Fulmer since 2008, starting first as a teacher, then becoming assistant principal in 2009 and principal in 2013. Under Carrero’s leadership, Fulmer has been designated as a National School to Watch multiple times; ranked No. 81 in U.S. News & World Report’s first ranking earlier this year of the best middle schools in South Carolina, from a pool of more than 300; and created a partnership with Teaching Fellows and the Professional Development School Network through the University of South Carolina.
“She is an exceptional leader who leads by example and has created a culture at R.H. Fulmer Middle School that fosters learning and growth for everyone,” Phibbs said.
Carrero said service is at the heart of her leadership style.
“My leadership style is rooted in service to others,” Carrero said. “My parents remain highly influential and have shaped me into an adult that seeks to serve a cause greater than myself. In doing so, it is my goal to collaborate, listen, be responsive to the needs of others, and truly meet people where they are. It is my belief that in serving others, you are building efficacy and sustainability in leaders to come.”
Carrero has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Lexington Two for 19 years. She graduated in 2003 from Newberry College and holds a Master’s and Educational Specialists degrees from the University of South Carolina. She is currently a PhD candidate in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies department at the University of South Carolina. Carrero is actively involved in professional organizations that support her professional growth, as well as the trajectory of Fulmer Middle School. These include her involvement with the S.C. Association for Middle Level Education, the national affiliate Association for Middle Level Education, Association for School Curriculum and Development, S.C. Association of School Administrators, National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, state level Schools to Watch team, S.C. Middle Grades Initiative, and National Association of Secondary School Principals Middle Level Leaders Network. She is deeply engaged in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina through her involvement with the Professional Development Schools Network, Carolina Teacher Induction Program Advisory Board, Educational Leadership Principal Advisory Board, and Teaching Fellows.
“I find Mrs. Carrero to be an exuberant leader who is not defined by the challenges she encounters, but by the solutions she creates,” said Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Nicolas Wade. “If people want to know what real leadership and change is, I just feel they need to meet and talk to Megan Carrero. I find myself beyond fortunate to be working alongside her, and for her to be a part of Lexington Two.”
It’s the second consecutive year that a Lexington Two middle school principal has been selected for the SCASA honor. Pine Ridge Middle’s Principal Dr. David Basile received the award last year.
The selection is made by a veteran panel of judges, based on criteria set by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
“I am a product of so many people who have invested time in me, entrusted me with the care and leadership of an outstanding school community, and allowed me opportunities to reflect my style and values in my leadership,” Carrero said. “I am also a part of an esteemed group of school leaders in South Carolina, who despite challenges, continue to be relentless in the pursuit of excellence for their students. To be a part of this group is an honor, but to be selected for this recognition is proof that I am fortunate beyond measure.”
RELATED: Watch the video and see the moment when Megan Carrero learns she has been selected SC Middle Level Principal of the Year: https://youtu.be/zF7RcEktWZk