Pictured (back row, from left) are Paul Edwards and his family; sons Samuel, Zachary, Elijah,
and Isaiah, (front row, from left) Josiah, son, and Amanda, wife.
Paul Edwards is returning to Humble ISD as the founding principal of Elementary School #30, a new school that will open in August 2021. The school is being built in the Fall Creek neighborhood and is funded by Bond 2018.
Mr. Edwards served as Summer Creek High School’s Associate Principal from 2011-2013. His experience as an elementary principal was at Emerson Elementary School in Everett, Washington. In Humble ISD, he also was Coordinator of Secondary Science and Health from 2008-2011. He has 16 years of experience in education and has been the Lead Pastor of Missions and Administration for United City Church in Humble.
Mr. Edwards attended Woodland Hills Elementary and Kingwood Middle School before relocating to the Dallas area, where he attended Berkner High School in Richardson. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University, a master’s degree at the University of Houston, and a master’s in educational administration and leadership from Lamar University.
He moved to Washington State for an opportunity to gain experience as an elementary principal and later felt the calling to return to Texas. “My family and I strongly feel we are supposed to be here, helping our community,” Mr. Edwards said.
The opportunity to offer students personalized pathways to success energizes Mr. Edwards.
“I will be focused on doing whatever it takes to create a school environment that is supportive of all and guides students to achieve at a high level,” he said.
In a time when students and teachers have utilized online learning more, Mr. Edwards brings valuable experience. While working in the Everett school district office, he created a district-wide curriculum portal that provided online access to all areas from kindergarten through 12th grade. However, his passion is building relationships with the school community.
“Being visible all over the school helps me to not only know what is happening day to day, but also gives those around me a chance to have a voice,” he said. “The staff and students must know who I am as a person.”
It’s the unique relationships between students and teachers that attract Mr. Edwards to elementary education. “It’s easy to see student academic and social-emotional growth that is significant over a relatively short period of time,” he said. “I love the parent involvement and support that schools get at the elementary level and I like to learn from parents and the community when it comes to making our school a better place.”
He and his wife Amanda have five sons – Elijah, Isaiah, Josiah, Samuel, and Zachary, who are all Humble ISD students at Woodcreek Middle School or Summer Creek High School.
