Serving the Palm Beach County community through education is a family legacy for Robera Walker, the new principal at Pierce Hammock Elementary School in The Acreage.
“Education has always been a part of my life. Even as a young girl, I would go with my mom to her school, Rosenwald Elementary, and I would try to teach her kids in the summer,” Walker said. “However, I didn’t attend her school.”
Walker’s mother, Mattie Walker, taught many grades, including fourth grade writing. After she retired, she returned as an academic tutor.
Walker’s older sisters also teach. Dariel McCrary is at Dr. Joaquín García High School, and Quesona Peterson is at Pioneer Park Elementary School.
“There was no other way for me than education,” she said. “It’s part of who I am.”
Even her grandmother, while not an educator, was known in the community for holding reading and writing sessions for local children.
Walker has been in education for 25 years, starting in the front office as an attendance clerk before she went back to get her teaching degree to work with students with disabilities — her passion. Then, she was encouraged to go into leadership, where she has been since 2013.
She taught at Pioneer Park before spending 11 years as the principal at Belle Glade Elementary School.
Walker’s proudest takeaway from her time at Belle Glade is the impact she had on the students and staff there.
“I believe that education is the most valuable asset you can give a person, and being able to contribute to someone’s growth, whether it was a student or a teacher or even my custodians, it’s an honor,” she said. “One of my most meaningful accomplishments of that impact was being named the 2022 Principal of the Year.”
Being named Palm Beach County Principal of the Year is not a small accomplishment.
“That recognition is so much because it showed that the contributions I’ve made to the school and community have not gone unnoticed,” Walker said. “There are so many great things happening in that school, and then to be acknowledged in that way as being the top principal in Palm Beach County, I think was just affirmation of my purpose and passion for this work. I love it.”
And now Walker is excited about this new beginning and a chance to bring her passion for education to Pierce Hammock, located on Hamlin Blvd., just south of Northlake Blvd. in the northern reaches of The Acreage.
“I think sometimes you can be somewhere for so long and feel like you’re not growing,” she said. “I’m in a new school, and a new community. There are going to be so many new beginnings. I have a passion for developing teachers and watching students grow and reach their full potential, and being able to give this to Pierce Hammock is what I’m definitely looking forward to.”
Walker was appointed to the position in June, just after the school year ended. She wants to let local parents know that she’s here and believes in servant leadership.
“I’m here to serve in whatever capacity I can just to ensure their children receive the highest quality education,” she said. “My doors are always open. Parents, teachers and students alike can always come in and share with me their ideas and their goals for their students. I value strong communication and partnerships with families. And, hopefully, I can develop that here.”
Walker has two sons of her own, ages 18 and 22, and a fun disposition.
“I want students really to know that I’m here for them. I think that’s the most important piece,” she said.
Both of her sons attended district schools in Palm Beach County, as did she. “I want them to have the same thing my kids experienced,” Walker said. “And I think that’s important. I’m here for them, believe in their potential, and I’m committed to helping them achieve their dreams.”
As someone who grew up in Belle Glade and attended Glades Central High School, Walker’s path lets students know that it is possible to get to the high position of principal. Sports, she said, often get a lot of attention in Belle Glade, overpowering academics, which also makes her proud to have been a Belle Glade principal.
“I love football. I’m a sports fanatic. Of course, I attended the University of Florida — Go Gators!” she said. “What’s my favorite high school sports team? Of course, it’s Glades Central, that’s my alma mater.”
With the new school year about to start, and back-to-school shopping is in full swing, Walker’s enthusiasm and passion for education is undeniable.
“My philosophy is just if you can dream it, you can achieve it,” she said. “And I’m excited for Pierce Hammock and everything that I look forward to bringing to the school.”
