MOUNT VERNON — The Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association (ESSAA) has bestowed the esteemed Legacy of Leadership Award upon Lincoln School Principal Rebecca Jones, a longstanding educational leader renowned for her steadfast dedication to children and staff.
Mrs. Jones was chosen from a prestigious group of contenders from all throughout New York State. This award honors a seasoned leader whose unwavering excellence, service, and mentoring have had a long-lasting influence on their school community and the public education sector.
“I’m extremely honored and grateful to receive the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association,” she said. “It’s a powerful reminder that the years I’ve dedicated to this work truly matter, and that despite the many challenges in education today, we still have the ability to make a real and lasting impact on students’ lives.”
The Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association (ESSAA) Legacy of Leadership Award recognizes outstanding school administrators in New York State for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on education. Honorees, such as Middletown’s Mrs. Pace, are recognized for their dedication to students, staff, and the educational community.
As Lincoln School’s principal for sixteen years, Mrs. Jones has guided the institution through years of high academic performance and a persistent emphasis on the complete child.
The school was named a Recognition School by New York State in 2019 under her direction, a title given for notable academic achievements. Students at Lincoln not only met but also exceeded district and state requirements; this pattern has persisted.
“Even today, I’m proud to share that Lincoln continues to earn top scores in both ELA and math, consistently surpassing district and state benchmarks,” the principal said. “It speaks to our teachers’ steadfast dedication to our students and the way they motivate them each and every day to work hard and reach their full potential.”
Mrs. Jones attributes much of the school’s success to a deeply collaborative culture and a shared sense of purpose among all members of the school community.
“I have such great respect and admiration for my teaching staff and the pupil support staff and really, everyone in the building,” she said. “I don’t think anyone is more important than anyone else, from the lead teacher to the school nurse to the administrative assistants to the safety monitors and custodial team. I believe that we’re a family and each of us plays an important role in shaping our students’ daily lives.”
That philosophy has helped shape Lincoln into what Mrs. Jones describes as a “home away from home” for students, a place where academic success is paired with strong social and emotional support.
“It’s a safe haven where students can turn to teachers and feel comfortable talking with them,” she said. “They know we’re here not only to support their academic needs, but also to help them grow socially and emotionally.”
Mrs. Jones also emphasizes empowering her staff through trust, resources, and an open-door leadership style.
“I encourage teachers to use their creative license, to challenge their students and to think outside of the box,” she said.
“Whatever I can do to help a teacher—whether they want a particular book, a poster or a rug for their classroom, or an online program or resource–whatever it is, I’m happy to give them so that they can shine,” she added.
Her approach is rooted in listening and shared leadership.
“I believe in distributive leadership,” Mrs. Jones said. “Teachers, after many years in the classroom, have a great deal of experience and expertise, and I glean from them. I listen to their concerns and what it is they would like to do, and I think we work together very nicely as a team.”
Mrs. Jones was nominated for the award by her colleagues, a gesture she views with humility.
“I think for one, I’ve been around a long time and have a wealth of experience,” she said. “I also strive to be kind, fair-minded, and reasonable in all that I do. Above all, people know that I genuinely care about children and have a deep passion for teaching and learning. As an educator, my mission has always been to ensure that every child has access to an exceptional education so that they not only achieve their dreams, but in the words of Marian Wright Edelman, leave this world better than they found it.”
She added that Lincoln’s culture of high expectations and intrinsic motivation sets it apart.
“At Lincoln, everyone here holds themselves to the highest expectations,” she said. “They’re not influenced by anything else except their own internal desire to do the right thing by children.”
Mrs. Jones will be formally honored at ESSAA’s Annual Meeting and Gala Celebration of School Leadership on Friday, April 17th at the Pearl River Hilton, where she will join a select group of educational leaders from across the state.
Reflecting on her career, the principal expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve generations of students and families.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served this district for the past 37 years and to have touched the lives of so many children and their families,” she said. It’s just a wonderful, wonderful recognition. I’m deeply humbled and sincerely appreciative.”
Black Westchester congratulates Rebecca Jones, a lifelong educator who began as an English Teacher at Nelson Mandela High School in the Mount Vernon City School District upon her graduation from Stony Brook University, for being recognized for her exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting impact on education.
