Dr. Tony Stewart

Assistant Director

Tony graduated from East Carolina University as a N.C. Teaching Fellow with a degree in Science Education.  He has served students, families and teachers for twenty years and began his career with Johnston County Public Schools teaching Biology and Physical Science at Clayton High School.  He was recognized as the district’s Outstanding First Year Teacher in 2001.  Having experienced a taste of teacher leadership, he went on to earn his Masters of School Administration from N.C. State University in 2006.  One highlight from his many years as an assistant principal was opening the school district’s first Ninth Grade Academy.  In this role, he supported students in their transition to high school and helped curtail the increasing dropout rate many schools were experiencing at that time.  In 2010, Tony was recognized as the school district’s Assistant Principal of the Year, which gave him numerous opportunities to work with district-level leadership.  In 2012, Tony took on a new role as Director of Professional Learning for Johnston County Public Schools.  He enjoyed the collaborative partnerships established with school-based leaders, supporting their efforts with Professional Learning Communities and Beginning Teachers.  He successfully designed and implemented the district’s first formal Assistant Principal Mentoring Program, which was the focus of his dissertation research. After receiving his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University, Tony moved to South Florida where he served the community of West Palm Beach as the principal of Cypress, a K-8 school.  During his tenure, he helped to create a culture that puts kids first, maintaining the highest of expectations for all 750 students, many whom qualified for free or reduced meals.  The relationships he built with students, teachers and parents fueled his passion for providing high-quality learning experiences for under-resourced kids.

His work with the NCPFP allows him the opportunity to support future administrators and better prepare them for the rewarding career of school leadership.