This is Travita Godfrey, a long-time school counselor turned administrator with a heart for the students she serves. As a principal she wants to really make a difference and impact her community.

Harris County Department of Education celebrates its four campus leaders during National Principals Month, which includes a special video tribute. We also hear from staff members who work alongside them to best serve Harris County learners day in and day out.

Arial Coates, Teacher

“She is an awesome mentor. I’m studying to get my principal certification right now and I’m just learning so much from her. Literally, when she talks, I sit there to take it all in so I can be a good leader. She leads from a place of care and that’s what I’ve noticed. From the way she handles situations here, it comes from a place of love and care. That is paramount because the kids we’re dealing with and the things they’ve been through and seen, sometimes it’s more than we’ve dealt with. So, when I listen to her talk to the kids, it’s really from a place of understanding.”

Nakia Lee-Francis, Counselor

“It’s her openness and kindness for the students here at Fortis Academy. How she treats everyone and how she’s always available. When she first got here, we had this sense of connectiveness. She used to be a counselor and I’m a counselor, so we were able to bond over that. She’s easy to talk to and just someone who’s very approachable, and with students in recovery, you need to be able to listen to them and listen effectively to find out what is the issue behind the situation.”