Baltimore principal recognized with Heart of the School Award

Bettye Adams honored for her leadership and dedication to students at Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:56am

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The Fund for Educational Excellence surprised Bettye Adams, the principal of Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School in Baltimore, with the Heart of the School Award on Thursday. The award honors principals who go above and beyond for their students, and Adams was recognized for her leadership, dedication to the school community, and commitment to ensuring students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Why it matters

The Heart of the School Award highlights exceptional school leaders who are making a significant impact on their students and communities. As a principal in Baltimore City, Adams is leading a school that serves a predominantly low-income student population, underscoring the importance of strong, compassionate leadership in supporting underserved students.

The details

Adams thought she was arriving for a pep rally at her school, but was instead met with a surprise celebration in her honor. She was one of five principals recognized this year by the Fund for Educational Excellence for her work. According to the fund's representative Kevin Leary, Adams is an "absolutely wonderful school leader" who has helped her students achieve at very high levels while fighting to secure necessary resources for them.

  • On Thursday, March 13, 2026, the Fund for Educational Excellence surprised Bettye Adams with the Heart of the School Award.

The players

Bettye Adams

The principal of Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School in Baltimore, who was recognized with the Heart of the School Award for her leadership and dedication to supporting her students.

The Fund for Educational Excellence

A Baltimore-based organization that awarded the Heart of the School Award to five principals, including Bettye Adams, for going above and beyond for their students.

Kevin Leary

A representative of the Fund for Educational Excellence who praised Adams as an "absolutely wonderful school leader" who has helped her students achieve at high levels.

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What they’re saying

“It's very humbling. It's very rewarding. It's a testament to the students that I serve because I put my whole heart into it. When you work from your heart, it's not a job. It's love.”

— Bettye Adams, Principal, Historic Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School

“Her kids are achieving at very, very high levels. She fights for resources for her students to make sure they all have the opportunities that she would demand for any kid. She's an absolutely wonderful school leader, and we're happy to give her this award this year.”

— Kevin Leary, Representative, Fund for Educational Excellence

The takeaway

The Heart of the School Award recognizes the critical role that exceptional school leaders play in supporting underserved students and communities. Bettye Adams' dedication to her students and her school demonstrates the transformative impact that principals can have when they are deeply committed to the success and well-being of the young people in their care.