A Principal and A Prayer

As a principal in an urban school, what do you do at 6:45 AM on a Monday after a student writes to you that her mother’s boyfriend molested her over the weekend? What do you do when a young man’s letter informs you that his family’s utilities are discontinued? What do you do when a high school student's note notifies you that his family is evicted and homeless?


Principal Michael McKenzie's first response was to pray. 


A Principal and a Prayer features authentic student letters from Michael’s tenure as an urban school principal. The students' letters, in addition to Michael’s insight on public urban school education in America, synthesizes the struggle, ideas, ambition and resilience of his former students. 


A Principal and a Prayer teaches us that: The church must play an impactful role in transforming the lives of adolescents in underserved communities in partnership with education stakeholders. Michael’s work makes a strong case for community groups and church groups to mentor disadvantaged youth. In doing so, Michael encourages the church to get involved in public education in a way that is equally sustainable and achievable.