By Jacquelyn Childs
Texas native Heather Renee Bardwell started her education career after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education from Texas State University in 1999. While she embarked on her education career more than two decades ago in southeast Texas, Bardwell has since brought her Texas charm east where she has excelled as an educator in the northern Alabama region.
“Texas State gave me a great start and provided me with great opportunities,” said Bardwell who now serves as the principal for Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville, Alabama. “Beginning my time at Texas State in the Residential College helped me build a secure foundation as I transitioned from home to college. Throughout the years, the classes provided rigor, and the professors provided support. I am grateful for my time at Texas State.”
Bardwell was selected as the Middle School Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) and will go on to represent Alabama in the National Association of Secondary School Principles program with representatives from across the nation.
“I feel truly excited and honored,”Bardwell said about the award. “As educators, we don’t go into this for awards and recognition. We enter this profession with the hope of making a difference for children. Because we know that through hard work and education, anything is possible, education can change people's lives, it can break cycles, and it can end trauma. Awards are just the cherry on top.”
As the principal of Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville, Alabama, Bardwell has fostered a positive culture centered around welcoming and supporting students in every aspect from accountability, attendance, grades, and service. She believes in positive reinforcement and creating an environment where all students feel safe and seen.
“Honestly, I don't know what I’ve done to stand out among my outstanding colleagues,” she said. “I just tell my story. I am a 5th-generation educator who believes in the power of education. I have always wanted to be an educator. I love my job. I love kids. I love my teachers. I want to learn and grow as much as possible. I want to help my students and teachers learn and grow, too.”
According to AASSP, Bardwell has had a significant impact on Mountain Gap’s performance, attendance, climate, and overall school culture. The school has seen increases in overall state report card scores and substantial drops in chronic absenteeism and discipline referrals.