Maeghan Haywood - Student Culture Coordinator
Mei Peters | mpeters24@dtechhs.org
Ever since Natalie Delahunt’s time as Student Culture Coordinator came to end last year, there has been some conversation about who will replace her. Well, in December we got our answer. The new Student Culture Coordinator is Maegan Haywood.
Previously, Haywood was the 10th grade Education Specialist, where she helped evaluate and improve lesson plans, as well as communicate with students, parents, and teachers. As the current Student Culture Coordinator following Delahunt’s leave, she says that her responsibilities are “To help work with the community, being able to provide a more inclusive environment, oversee the clubs, work with Melissa on disciplinary issues.” Additionally, she says she’s currently working on “revising policies so that they’re in line with our values that we hold as a school with anti-racism work.”
Does she have the proper experience and credentials? Haywood is fully prepared to take on this position; she said that she “ironically had the hopes of having this role 10 years from now” and “took the position, really having the hopes and dreams to help work with students with their voices being heard.”
Is she the right person for this position? Haywood says that she understands her role as the Student Culture Coordinator, and comes with certain perspectives and experiences that help her connect with students. “I’ve always been an activist with work and making sure that the people who have been harmed are the focus, and that they’re not further harmed in the future. That really comes with understanding and a platform to be seen.” She adds on that she is fit for this role because of what she supports and stands up for. Since she has family members who focus on special education, she was influenced to go into special education to make sure students aren’t negatively impacted from the system. “Having all those different lenses work in my favor for this role.”
Haywood has fully contemplated the influence she wants to have on the students at d.tech, and believes that using a more restorative approach rather than relying on punishment will help them “understand the impact they hold as a community.” Overall, she feels that her assortment of experience, values, and inspiration provides her with the foundation to be an effective Student Culture Coordinator.