Jean Childs Young Middle School

Mr. Ronald Garlington has enthusiastically served as an educator in the Atlanta Public School District since 1992. He is a proud graduate of B.E. Mays High School and long-time resident of Southwest Atlanta.  He is the father of three children, all of whom attended school in the Mays Cluster, and a running enthusiast.

Mr. Garlington’s pursuit and passion for education began at Hampton University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He later received a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling, as well as his Educational Leadership Certification, both from Georgia State University.

During his tenure with Atlanta Public Schools, Mr. Garlington has served in various capacities including Student Assistance Program (SAP) Counselor, Liaison Specialist, Guidance Counselor, the district’s K-8 Counseling and Section 504 Coordinator, and more recently as an assistant principal before being selected as the principal for Jean Childs Young Middle School.

Mr. Garlington firmly believes that every student deserves rigorous, equitable and engaging instruction and that as educators, we MUST empower them to be successful by cultivating a caring, loving and nurturing learning environment.  His favorite quote is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” In his assignment as a principal, Mr. Garlington is continuously eager and looking forward to utilizing all of his prior experience, training, and skills to help his students make this quote a reality as he works vigilantly with his Team of educators to engage families, the community and all stakeholders to “Rebuild the Legacy” of Jean Childs Young Middle School!!

Ms. Wanda Moore Williams returns to Jean Childs Young Middle School after serving as an elementary administrator for the past eleven years.  As a native of South Carolina, she and her two sisters were raised to take advantage of every educational opportunity.  Ms. Moore Williams completed her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Teaching at the University of South Carolina.  She has continued her education at Lincoln Memorial University where she earned an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and is currently seeking a Doctoral Degree in Administration and Leadership.  

Ms. Moore Williams began her teaching career in South Carolina and transitioned to the Atlanta Public Schools in 2000.  She has served as an educator for 20 years and is a former teacher of Jean Childs Young MS. As a lifelong learner and instructional leader, she believes that awareness is a pivotal component to the success in educating our youth.  It is her belief that once we develop a passion for learning, we never cease to grow.  She is extremely excited to be a part of the #YoungMovement and returning to the Wolf Pack Family.

Roderic Hister is an alumnus of Lewis University, Cambridge College and Kennesaw State University.  During his 20+ years of classroom experience, his students’ pledge could be heard echoing throughout the halls, “I am a winner, not a loser. I can succeed, I shall succeed…because I am a winner! I am somebody. I am somebody! I love myself. I respect myself, therefore, I respect others!”

In his 25+ years of experience in education, Mr. Hister has taught at the high, middle and elementary school levels in Illinois and Georgia.  Since relocating to Georgia, he taught in Dekalb and Muscogee counties before joining the APS family in 2009. He is gifted, reading and teacher-support endorsed and served as an Instructional Coach at Heritage Academy for three years.  As an administrator, Mr. Hister sets high expectations for his students and colleagues.  He takes pride in helping others develop a winning attitude and becoming sound participants of their communities.  As a servant-leader, he aims to show others that when they are willing to work hard and do their best, the sky is the limit. 

Mr. Hister believes that the world is our classroom and has led student-delegations to more than 20 countries. These experiences provided opportunities for students to experience cultures in different parts of the world that included Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia. His mission is to share his knowledge, experiences, and expertise with others in order to promote their development.

Mr. Blackmon brings an authentic and innovative perspective to leadership at Jean Childs Young Middle School. Known for countless strategies in uplifting school culture, engaging parents, stakeholders, and increasing student achievement. Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal, Mr. Blackmon served as an Instructional Coach for Social Studies and Economics. In his 18-year tenure, he taught Gifted Language Arts and Social Studies at B.E.S.T. Academy, King Middle School, and in his home state of Florida at Ribault Middle School. 

In response to his years of service and steadfast dedication, he was awarded countless accolades such as the PBS American Graduate Champion Teacher, APS District- wide Teacher of the Year, Georgia Trend 40 under Forty, and most recently the District-wide Assistant Principal of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools. Mr. Blackmon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication and Journalism from Bethune Cookman University and completed his Master of Education from Central Michigan University.

In addition to being a Servant Leader, he donates his personal time to helping disenfranchised young men, as the Founder of the “Gentlemen’s Project”. His initiative encourages young men to develop a sense of confidence, grooming, chivalry, paths to manhood and reemphasizing the art of brotherhood and scholarship.

He believes that his mission in education is to assure that all scholars are resolute, knowledgeable, and productive contributors of an ever-changing society.

Dr. Bennett is passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, supporting and empowering students and staff. Dr. Bennett believes a solid and united staff is the foundation for student achievement and overall school excellence.

With 18 years of experience in education, Dr. Bennett has had the privilege of working as a Mathematics Instructional Coach, Mathematics Specialist, and mathematics teacher at Jean Childs Young Middle School. In addition, as the STEM and Mathematics Coordinator, Data Analysis Coordinator for Colleges and Universities for the Florida Department of Education, and mathematics teacher in Broward and St. Lucie Counties.

Dr. Bennett holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction specializing in Mathematics, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration. Throughout his career in education, he developed a passion for fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment and is excited to continue this dedication at Young Middle School.

 As an administrator, Dr. Bennett’s priority is to support students, staff, and families in achieving academic success and personal growth. Dr. Bennett believes in building solid relationships with all stakeholders in the school community, emphasizing open communication and collaboration. Dr. Bennett is committed to creating an engaging learning atmosphere where students feel valued, heard, and supported.

In addition to academic excellence, Dr. Bennett also values students’ social-emotional well-being. Dr. Bennett promotes a positive school culture emphasizing kindness, respect, and empathy. He is committed to working closely with the counseling department and other support staff to ensure students have the necessary resources and assistance to navigate challenges.

Dr. Bennett is genuinely grateful for the opportunity to join the Young Middle School’s administration team. He looks forward to building relationships and working together to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment for our students. His favorite quote is: “To break historical patterns of racial inequality, we must support the conditions that maximize every child’s opportunity to engage in rigorous and meaningful work.”