The Yonkers Board of Education honored Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams with the Leadership in Education Award at its May 19, 2016 Stated Meeting. The Leadership in Education Award Program, inaugurated in 1986 by the Rotary Club in association with the Yonkers Board of Education, recognizes the significant role of school leadership in achieving student success. Dr. Banks-Williams will formally accept her honor at the traditional dinner being held May 25th.

Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams

The Leadership in Education award, also known as the Administrator of the Year, is presented to an administrator who personifies the spirit, dedication and accomplishments of an outstanding instructional leader.

Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams is a compassionate, driven principal who uses her educational expertise and strong leadership style to inspire students, staff and families. Dr. Banks-Williams not only focuses on academic achievement, but rather cultivates a school community that nurtures the whole child exemplifying the attributes of this award as well as the attributes of Montessori education as a child-centered approach to hands on education, designed to foster a child's natural inclination to learn.

Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams, twenty-five years ago, began her career with the Yonkers Public Schools as an Assistant Principal at the Enrico Fermi School.  In 1995, she became Principal of School 13.  Ten years later her administrative and mentoring skills were recognized and, Dr. Banks-Williams took on the central office position of Director of Elementary Education.  In 2005, her passion turned towards Montessori education when she became Principal of School 11 and in 2009 in her current position at School 31.

Dr. Banks-Williams was nominated by the staff at Montessori School 31.  In their words, "Dr. Sharon Banks-Williams has moral purpose – to provide all students with an excellent education. Her voice echoes through our minds, parents send us the best that they have and we must do our best to prepare them for a successful life.