Inside BPS: Valerie Brower – New Baker Principal Follows Her Own Tune
By Sean Mason
Communications Intern
Some make the effort to go to one or two concerts a year, but for other dedicated country music fans one or two is simply not enough. Valeria Brower, the new principal at the Mary Baker School goes to about 15 country concerts a year. She said it has become sort of habit of hers.
"I love Jason Aldean. He's my favorite artist," said Brower.
Despite her hardcore fandom to country music, Brower has still managed to maintain a career as one of Brockton Public Schools' premier principals. This is her sixth year as a principal; she spent the previous five at the Brookfield School.
"The thing I miss most about the Brookfield is the students, staff and families. Being there for five years, I got to really know the ins and outs of the school and the students' families," said Brower.
Although she misses her old position, Brower has no regrets in taking on this new challenge. She sees her position as principal of the Baker as a long-term fit and she hopes to be there for the long run.
"On the first day of school, I told the staff "I don't feel like the new guy." I've felt welcome here since day one and I attribute that to my awesome staff," said Brower.
The make-up and structure of the building has a new school vibe to it. Each room features equipment that the older buildings are not capable of utilizing.
"I just love the overall building. It's so advanced on a technological basis," said Brower.
The Baker is one of the many Brockton schools to be trauma sensitive, incorporate play works, and be classified as a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports school. Brower hopes to continue the success at which the previous principal had in incorporating these programs.
"We have a lot of strong programs in place here. I want to continue to strengthen and develop these already established programs here," said Brower.
One aspect Brower loves about working at the Baker is the idea that the school looks at each child as a whole, incorporating both their academic life and their social- emotional life.