Program_2013_Final Pg Count.indd - Broward Teachers Union

Principal of the Year Finalist
Shawn Cerra
J. P. Taravella High School
By every standard, Shawn Cerra demonstrates a commitment to his
students, teachers, staff and community each and every day. For
the past 19 years, he has been in the education fi eld, and the past
11 years as Principal of J.P. Taravella High School. Cerra was a
previous ACCLAIM Principal of the Year Finalist in 2002.
Cerra holds the position of high school chair, which affords him the
opportunity to represent his colleagues at the District level on all
matters pertaining to high schools. This has allowed him to grow
and understand the ever-changing culture within the School District.
Within the last three years, he has created a collaborative
leadership team to develop school-wide initiatives that impact
teaching and learning in the classroom, as well as align with the
School Improvement Plan goals. As a result, Professional Learning
Communities were developed and have impacted the school
community. One of his proudest accomplishments is that over the
past fi ve years, he has never cut a program, club or athletic team
despite the loss in funding.
Setting the tone for the whole school, Cerra is often quoted as saying,
“JPT where the P stands for Pride.” His never-ending approach to
increase school spirit, teacher morale and to be a hands-on leader is
second to none. When speaking to students, his words inspire and
challenge them to reach their goals while his actions demonstrate
his drive to reach whatever goals he sets out to accomplish.
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