Middle School's New Principal Is A Familiar Face

John Cook, the new principal at , believes in the power of words to change lives.

He first heard the call to education while he was finishing his bachelor’s degree in English and communications at Alcorn State in Mississippi.

“I realized I wasn’t as passionate about a career in journalism as I’d hoped,” he said, “so I was considering which direction to go next.”

A billboard for the University of Minnesota which said the school was seeking black educators caught his attention.

“I really love being with kids. That idea stuck with me.”

After completing his undergraduate degree, he headed north to earn his master’s degree in education from the U of M.

He taught English in several Minneapolis schools, where an opportunity to fill in for someone who was ill gave him a six-month taste of administration. He was surprised by how much he enjoyed it and started the process toward earning an administrative licensure from St. Mary’s University.

Another opportunity to work in administration, this time for 18 months, cemented that decision. He said he enjoyed this new way of interacting with students.

Upon earning his licensure, he became an assistant principal at in 2005. He was there until he accepted the Robbinsdale Middle School position.

In his first year at RMS, Cook says he wants to challenge staff and students to look beyond appearance and behavior, and see the real person within.

When issues or problem behaviors arise, he said consequences are important, as are words of encouragement, such as “I believe in you and who you can be. You can do better than this.”

He said he still can remember criticism he received 30 years ago, so he wants to lead by example in encouraging students to make the right choices and be the best they can be.

“Words are powerful,” he said, “and will shape what people believe about themselves. How and what you think will change the outcome of your situation.”

He met with the RMS staff this spring and said the teachers he met are passionate about helping kids succeed. He said one of his most important jobs will be listening to the staff and students, and creating an environment of honesty and openness with an expectation of success.

Cook met Kim, his wife of nearly 12 years, at Northeast Middle School in Minneapolis. They have three sons: Jarius, almost 11; Kaden, 8; and Jalen, 6. Kim is a guidance counselor at Patrick Henry in Minneapolis.

He's most looking forward to taling with students. He says people are surprised by his goofy side, and he hopes to let that show more when he’s strolling the RMS school grounds.