From CPS Student, to Counselor, to School Leader: Get to Know AP Terry Batey

Mr. Terry Batey, the assistant principal at Prosser Career Academy, began his CPS journey as a student at Simeon High School, where he recalls the counseling team’s office being his safe space in the building. Later, while working as a security guard at Prosser, he felt inspired to bring this sense of community to the school, so pursued a career as a school counselor.

After becoming certified, Mr. Batey worked with the Prosser counseling team to provide supports and planning around post-secondary success. In this role, he worked with students school-wide on college and career opportunities, hosting events like the Prosser Comeback, where alumni return to speak with students about their experiences.

While he enjoyed school counseling, AP Batey was motivated to push further and explore school leadership. Learn more about his trajectory below.

How have your previous roles influenced your leadership style? 

The component that has transitioned most from role to role is the importance of building relationships, and the need to establish strong communication systems where both students and staff feel safe to seek out help and support when they need it.

Can you describe Prosser in one or two words?

Family and community. We are a staff that has been together for a long time, and at some point, we moved from colleagues to extended family. This has been a big help as we moved through various successes, challenges, and conflicts, all in the interest of helping Prosser continue to thrive.

What are the key components of a successful leadership team?

One is the ability to cultivate relationships that will continue to grow. The other is maintaining transparent communication and being receptive to feedback and open to new opportunities.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to see the growth of our students from the day they come in as freshmen to the culminating event of graduation. Spending graduation day celebrating those four years of learning, community building, and friendship is incredibly rewarding, as is seeing our students become young adults who leave our buildings ready to fulfill their most desired dreams.

What is your message to students as we approach the end of the school year?

I want them to know that at Prosser, anything is possible. As an assistant principal, I am responsible for working with our entire team to be facilitators of their dreams, passions, and wishes, and it’s a job I love!