Ask anyone in education their “why,” and the answer is almost always the same—it’s a calling, a strong urge that one feels uniquely qualified to do and enjoys passionately. But that pull is made sweeter when it brings you back home.  

Courtney Waters was raised in the heart of Houston’s Northshore community and graduated from Galena Park Independent School District. Throughout her academic career, she earned high marks while also making a name for herself as an athlete on the basketball court.  

“I was always too scared to be a class clown, so I would make the A’s. But remember the conduct remarks? Mine always said, ‘Courtney is a great student, but she talks too much,’” she said, laughing with colleagues during a roundtable discussion celebrating October as National Principals Month.  

Despite an initial interest in nursing school, Waters gained a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Prairie View A&M University. She went on to work for multiple district administrations, including San Diego City Schools, Spring ISD and Cy-Fair ISD, in roles ranging from district behavior support specialist to assistant principal.  

In 2018, she found her way to Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), specifically Highpoint School. As one of the Department’s four Special Schools, the campus and its mission to instill self-discipline within students hit close to home. Located in her childhood community, Waters was familiar with many of the students and families it serves and approached them with empathy gained through personal experience. 

“I have always wanted to work with students with behavioral challenges because they remind me of myself,” she said. “I feel connected to my students on many levels.” 

Special School leaders witnessed her passion and named Waters principal in 2021. She began working to create a climate and culture that supports the growth and success of students and staff by embracing them with a love that knows no bounds. The philosophy proves effective, as most adjudicated youth sent to Highpoint thrive and return to campus as new students.   

“These kids go back to their districts, and the transition specialist will Facetime me and say, ‘Look who I’m with!’ and I’m holding my breath for good news,” Waters smiled. “But they are always doing well and on track for graduation. I even run into a lot of them at local restaurants and get to see them working their jobs, which is awesome! I recognize that these students have had way more experiences with people who didn’t believe in them, and when they come to our Special Schools, they are engulfed with love, understanding and support. It’s a new feeling, but I’m glad we are here to provide that to them.”  

Although the opportunity to work at Highpoint School was a welcomed return home, for Waters, it means more than familiarity. It’s taking a struggling student and giving them a second chance to succeed academically and emotionally. As she looks to the future, her goal remains clear—to leave her community stronger and more resilient than she found it.  

“I genuinely love working for HCDE, and I’m filled with a spirit of gratitude because I look at this work as very spiritual and a calling,” she said. “So, seeing our students be successful makes me feel as though I’ve done what God expected of me.”