COLUMBIA, S.C. — Fairfield Central High School celebrated the return of Principal Dr. Tracie Anderson Swilley on Monday following her recognition as the National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in Washington.
“They keep me young, and I love that. I love to have a good time with my kids,” Swilley said, reflecting on her relationship with students. “They know when I'm serious, and they know when I'm done playing. Building relationships is an essential part of my role.”
Swilley has been principal at Fairfield Central for 12 years. She believes the strong connections she has fostered with both students and staff contributed significantly to her national recognition.
“I will argue that leaders need villages too. I'm a collaborative leader by nature,” she said. “Having a team around me that believes in our students and their ability is the basis of everything.”
Originally from the Midlands, Swilley found her passion for education while studying at Columbia College. A mathematics professor inspired her to shift her focus from biomedical engineering to teaching. She became a certified secondary-level teacher before stepping into her principal role in 2013.
“High school can be fun, and we have to do a better job of making certain that we infuse fun,” Swilley said. “Teachers become more of facilitators, allowing students to discover learning for themselves.”
Swilley said that incorporating fun into learning enhances student achievement and fosters a love for lifelong learning.
“We can't just jump in and focus on student achievement," she said, noting the importance of a supportive school environment. "You have to ensure the culture is right. What does it feel like? Does it feel like a place you want to be?”
To be named National Principal of the Year, Swilley first had to be recognized as South Carolina’s Principal of the Year, with each state winner vying for the national title.