Fathi uses her unique knowledge to support staff and students. photo by Emanuel Morales-Gomez
TJ’s Principal Resident helps create a welcoming and diverse school environment.
High school is a time that fosters growth and empowers students, but it couldn’t be done without the encouraging and empowering actions of adults who want to make a difference. This is seen with the arrival of Principal Resident Azadeh Fathi at Thomas Jefferson. To get this role, Fathi had to go through Denver Public Schools’s (DPS) Learn to Lead program, which gives experienced administrators the opportunity to learn from current principals and develop plans to create a positive change in their community. Even though this highly competitive program had an intense application and interview process, Fathi knew she had to be a part of it because it was her goal to become a principal since she started her career in the education field.
Despite being new to the TJ community, her desire to create an open and safe environment is evident within the school. Fathi explained that, “coming from a diverse background of being a bilingual immigrant woman, I can relate and understand the struggles students at TJ are going through.” This goal of creating a welcoming environment has encouraged her to pass down her culture and use her knowledge to make the TJ community more inclusive about other cultures. For example, she introduced the Afghanistan celebration of Nowruz, which celebrates the arrival of spring. She has seen the positive impact this has since“students are coming to [her] and opening up about their lives.” She wants to be an individual students can talk to for guidance and support.
Fathi’s influence is felt not only in the student body, but also within the administration. Assistant Principal Jon Poole explained that she has helped “promote diversity and culture at TJ providing a unique perspective to discussions.” He further added that, “her experiences and job history helps bring new ideas to the table.” With Fathi’s vast knowledge, she was able to come to TJ and offer different methods to approach topics. Moreover, Poole said that she is bringing a “culture of discipline and expectations of what students should and can do.” This encourages students to go above and beyond what is expected while still following the rules.
Fathi’s one year contract is coming to an end, but this does not mean this will be the last time TJ will be seeing her. She will not be replacing TJ’s favorite principal Mike Christoff, but may stay as an Assistant Principal to continue making an impact at TJ. This wouldn’t be a difficult transition because, along with learning and doing things that relate to being a Principal, she is covering for Andrew Skari as he is covering as the Athletic Director for Anne Rice, who is currently on maternity leave.
Fathi helps make TJ a supportive place that ignites student’s potential and sets them up for success. She wants to make sure that students are not limited because of their background and wants to make sure that they feel heard and seen. If anybody in the TJ community wants someone to talk about their struggles, or wants to learn something new, Fathi’s door will be open.
