GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Burton Middle School's new principal, driven by a lifelong passion for education inspired by her parents, is ready to lead.
“Since I was like five years old, the thought of being a teacher was very exciting to me,” Principal Amena Moiz explained. "My parents actually came here from India in 1974. And it was very important for them to have their children be educated."
That sense of purpose shaped her career, but it was also the influence of her own teachers that left a lasting impression. She fondly remembers two influential science teachers who were not only excellent educators but also had a sense of humor.
"It’s great when I see teachers here that do the same thing for our kids," she said. "I absolutely love interacting with our students. I hope they see me as somebody who wants them to feel a sense of belonging when they enter our building, and for them to have a good time while focused on their learning."
Her teaching career has included stops in Detroit, Flint, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids. She has also served in multiple leadership positions, including principal of a virtual school and at Forest Hills Northern High School.
“I hope I’m able to model what I expect teachers to do with our scholars," Moiz said. "That’s very important to me."
At the heart of her leadership is a commitment to scholars and their families.
“You're putting your child in our hands, and it is very important for me and for our staff to make sure that they feel a sense of belonging in our school. Our responsibility is to help them be successful when they leave Burton Middle School.”
