Arnold Ford is the assistant principal at Mastery Charter Mann Elementary in West Philadelphia. His Philly LOVE Story is all about promoting positivity and leading with love.
Every day, Ford greets the more than 500 students at Mann with high fives, fist bumps and hugs. These affectionate interactions often go viral on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Ford’s mission is to make his school a welcoming space, somewhere students can feel safe, seen and fully themselves. He encourages his staff to prioritize “teaching the kid” over teaching content. And he measures success at Mann not only through test scores, but by how students feel each time they walk through the door.
It’s a message that resonates with third-grade teacher Mickey McFadden, who strives to fill his classroom with infectious energy and acceptance. Though admittedly not much of a hugger, McFadden has followed his assistant principal’s lead and is always ready to hug it out before getting down to work.
Follow Arnold on Instagram: / unklearnold .
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