#52 Green Charter Schools | Maria Werner

In this episode of the Charter School Connection podcast, Dallan speaks with Maria Werner, founding principal at Green Charter School - Simpsonville. The podcast begins with Maria sharing how she turned a childhood dream of working in education into reality. From a young age, Maria knew that she wanted to be a teacher. Over the years, she learned that leading in an administrative position is where she wanted to be. This is how Maria became the founding principal at Green Charter School - Simpsonville, which opened for the 2024-2025 school year. Maria shares with Dallan some challenges that arose while opening Green Charter School - Simpsonville, including weather disasters and building delays. Maria shares how they overcame these challenges and what they have learned from it. Her biggest piece of advice to keep up momentum is communication and transparency. Knowing that charter schools arise out of a need of a community that isn’t being met, Dallan asks Maria what makes Green Charter Schools. Green Charter Schools started in 2013 to now 7 campuses across the state. The Simpsonville location is the newest. Green Charter School focuses on developing future ready young people. Teaching children to think critically, problem solve and work with others. They have a focus on renewable energy and using the NEED project. Children learn that they can make a difference in the world and be forward focused To finish out the episode, Maria shares some books that have influenced how she leads, including one from her mentor (see the show notes). To end Maria leaves us with a final thought of although the education world is difficult to navigate at the moment, it is important to maintain investment and make a difference. Show Notes: Green Charter Schools - Simpsonville https://www.scgreensimpsonville.org/ NEED Project - https://www.need.org/ Lead with Grace by Jessica Cabeen https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Grace-Leaning-Leadership-Forward/dp/1948212161 Principal and Balance by Jessica Cabeen https://www.amazon.com/Principal-Balance-Leading-Work-Living/dp/1119885760 School Leaders Guide to Reclaiming your Focus by Frederick https://www.amazon.com/School-Leaders-Guide-Reclaiming-Purpose/dp/B0CWRS2F6N