District 1 School Board Member, Dr. Steve Gallon III, Kicks Off Norwood Elementary’s School Year with Powerful Keynote and Big Community Support

Miami-Dade County Public Schools District 1 School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon III pulled up to Norwood Elementary School ready to motivate and inspire educators for the upcoming school year—and he did just that. At the school’s Opening of Schools Meeting, Dr. Gallon delivered a powerful keynote that reminded teachers of their purpose, reignited their passion, and reaffirmed the mission of putting students first.

Held under the leadership of Norwood Principal Dr. Kevin Williams, the event wasn’t just about back-to-school logistics. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of The Ten North Group and funding from The Children’s Trust, the day was a full-on professional development experience packed with training and energy to get the team ready for the 2025–2026 school year.

Through this long-standing partnership, Norwood Elementary students have benefitted from extended learning opportunities that go far beyond the traditional classroom. From dance and photography to aerial silk performance and social emotional learning, the school has been able to tap into the power of arts and STEAM to create a well-rounded education experience.

During his keynote, Dr. Gallon shared his “personal theory of action” based on his decades of experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and now board member. He emphasized key elements he believes are essential to student success: mastering content knowledge, strong teaching delivery, building authentic relationships with students and families, using data to inform instruction, maintaining high expectations, fostering safe and supportive learning environments, and—most importantly—believing that every child can learn.

Dr. Williams couldn’t have been more appreciative of Dr. Gallon’s message, saying, “Dr. Gallon’s message was exactly what we needed to begin this school year. He reminded us that teaching is not only a profession, but a calling—and that every decision we make must center on the needs and potential of our students. We are grateful to Dr. Gallon and to The Ten North Group for their continued support of our work.”

Nakia Bowling, Vice President of The Ten North Group, highlighted the impact of the partnership, saying, “Our partnership with Norwood Elementary—now entering its ninth year—continues to demonstrate the incredible power of aligning community resources with school needs. Together, we have expanded opportunities for students to explore the arts, engage in STEAM learning, and develop skills that will serve them for life. We are excited to continue building on this work in the years to come.”

Dr. Gallon expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with educators on the ground level. “It is always a privilege to engage directly with our school leaders and teachers who serve on the front line of our educational work. Having been a classroom teacher and school principal myself, I understand both the excitement and the importance of opening-of-schools planning and preparation. I was humbled to be a part of their work and inspired by their commitment to our students.”

As a parting gift—and an extra dose of inspiration—The Ten North Group gifted every teacher and staff member copies of Dr. Gallon’s educational books, including Educating with Love and Without Compromise and When Morning Comes. He even stuck around to personally sign the books, which are part of his powerful 3-book series titled Light Found in the Dark: The Journey of Dr. Steve Gallon III.

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