Graduate Transformed School Culture & Climate
For Virginia “Ginny” Gills, Longwood’s Reading, Literacy & Learning, M.Ed. program (RLL) did more than hone her teaching skills. The Master of Education degree, which she completed in 2005, also set her on the path to a leadership role, offering practical ways to turn theory into practice and examine how culture affects teaching and learning.
The principal of Cumberland County Elementary School in Cumberland, Va., since 2014, Gills has transformed school culture and climate while focusing on family engagement. Leaning into her role as an educator who keeps RLL values at the center of her daily work, Gills signs her emails “lead learner” and includes a list of books she is currently reading (as well as those on deck) at the bottom of every message. Her leadership is grounded in cultural relevance and research-based techniques with an emphasis on community.
“I love that I can choose how I lead and that I choose to lead with love, grace, energy and enthusiasm,” Gills said. “I love that I can ‘greenlight’ teachers to try new strategies, transform learning spaces and create memorable and engaging lessons.”
Gills’ culture, climate and family engagement initiative has positively impacted the retention of current Cumberland staff and the recruitment of new team members. Engaging students and staff in unique ways allows her to ensure that she has created an environment in which they want to learn and work.
Her innovative leadership has not gone unnoticed. She recently spoke about her work in Mecklenburg and Powhatan counties and presented to doctoral students at Radford University.
In August 2021, she was invited to participate in VASCD’s podcast series, Deeper Insight, with fellow educators Dr. S. Kambar Khoshaba and David Wickham. In an episode titled “Deeper Voice,” the trio discussed how to elevate student voice, giving even the youngest students a seat at the table and an opportunity to express their opinions and beliefs.
“It’s extremely important to ensure that students have opportunities for discourse embedded in everything that we do,” Gills shared on the podcast.
Gills draws on lessons of Longwood’s RLL program on a daily basis. She entered the program as a secondary teacher, and the coursework provided special insight into elementary instruction. Within her cohort she formed valuable connections, igniting conversations around student learning. Longwood professors quickly became mentors and friends.
“Longwood as a whole is a place where professors are more than just instructors — they know you, encourage you, celebrate with you, even cry with you,” Gills said. “The graduate program only deepens that relationship. The faculty truly becomes an extension of your family.”
Having completed her undergraduate degree at Longwood in 1989, Gills is a true cheerleader for the university and its programs. In fact, she recently recruited 13 Cumberland staff members to join the Fall 2022 RLL cohort.
“With this increased learning around literacy, everyone wins,” Gills said, “students, teachers and the community at large.”