When students return to class and teachers settle into the school day, they may notice a new presence in the hallways, one that comes with a smile, a conversation, and a simple question. North Penn’s new assistant principal, Dr. Jamar Alston has joined the community with more than 20 years of experience in education and a leadership philosophy centered on four words: “how can I help?”

Alston is easy to spot in the halls. He might be pausing to admire the artwork on a classroom bulletin board, checking in with a teacher, or joking with a student as they pass by. 

“I want to learn North Penn,” he said. “I want to be acclimated and be a valued member of this community.”

For him, leadership is less about issuing rules and more about being present and listening. 

“My role here as an assistant principal, at least early on, is really just to examine what’s being done,” Alston said.

Alston began his career in education as an in-school suspension teacher in the Chester Upland School District before teaching social studies at Greystone Academy Charter School. He later spent 14 years in the Upper Darby School District, working as a social studies teacher, science teacher, and cyber tutor. Over time, the classroom became more than just a place to teach content. It became a space where he learned how students grow, struggle, and succeed. 

“I learned that every student has a story,” Alston said. “The classroom isn’t just about the content. It’s about discovering how each person learns and how they grow.”

Eventually, he moved into administration, serving as assistant principal at King’s Highway Elementary School and later at Coatesville High School for more than five years. Along the way, he developed his core philosophy that leadership is service. 

“I believe my position here is to help, to remove barriers, and to help people reach their potential,” Alston explained. 

That mindset was shaped early in his life. Alston said his love for education began with a passion for history and discovery. 

“I had a fascination for Indiana Jones. I loved archaeology,” Alston said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to teach it, I just loved everything about it. I loved discovering, interacting with the past. And then preserving it, and educating others about the beauty of the past.”

Even before he knew he wanted to pursue a career in teaching, he knew he wanted to learn and share knowledge.

One of the people who turned that interest into purpose was his high school social studies teacher and track coach, Michael Payton. 

“He made history feel alive,” Alston said. “I just loved that he brought passion everyday to students. Students just loved being in his presence. He would have a saying in his classroom. He would say, ‘I’m looking for my next Paytonian Scholar.’”

“Just interacting with him made me say, I want to be Mr. Payton,” Alston explained. “I  want to go out and do the work that Mr. Payton was doing for students.”

Inspired by his former teacher, he created the “Alstonian Scholar” award in his own classroom, recognizing students who gave their best and embodied curiosity, effort, and heart. 

Another influence came from his home. Alston said his father, although not a teacher, was passionate about helping people. 

“My father was a tradesman by trade. He was passionate about helping people. His whole approach was teaching other people the beauty of working with their hands. It didn’t matter who you were, what your skill set was. If you were someone who wanted to learn how to work, he was willing to teach you,” Alston said. 

Watching his father work alongside others, patiently showing them each step, shaped Alston’s approach to leadership. 

“[My father] showed me that teaching is not just about instruction. It’s about character, patience, and helping others reach their potential. He was also a man that loved the game of chess. For me, it was the critical thinking, the work with others, and seeing people reach their peak potential that really inspired me,” Alston said. 

At North Penn, he is bringing that philosophy into practice. 

“I think there are a lot of factors that go into making a school environment successful. Initially, it does start with the leadership. The leaders of the community create an environment in which others want to be a part.
If you look around my room, part of the reason why I put some of the little wholesome quotes on my wall is it kind of lends to that. Like you see here, it says, “people support what they help create”. If you’re someone who’s in a leadership role, you want to create an environment where it draws people in. And by drawing people in, it allows those people to then be a part of what you’re creating. 
It then allows those people to maximize their potential and then also give back. And eventually, you create others”

Alston believes that strong schools require teachers, students, and community members to all feel invested. 

“These are the ones that inspire and pull those resources of ingenuity out of the youth. So for me, it starts really with them. I believe that in addition to that, you have the student body. These are the ones that come in with the ideas. And then, in addition to that, you have the stakeholders. You have the people who are outside the community, the people who are doing the investing, bringing in the resources and jobs. I think all of this, to me, creates a strong community,” Alston said. 

Since arriving at North Penn, Alston focused on listening and learning rather than making immediate changes.

“As I begin to learn North Penn, I come in with these two leadership models in mind,” Alston said. “And there may be some other ones that will come in, but for now, my main focus is to be a servant and to help with distributing leadership. And then, focus on the core content, student achievement, and what I can do to help and promote success.” 

Outside of school, Alston has plenty to keep him busy. 

“I love puzzles,” Alston said. “I like trying to, you know, figure things out. I like decorating, that’s something I’m passionate about. I like boxing. I boxed during my 20s. I didn’t go professional, but I did train with professionals. I ran track in high school. I am a family person. I love my wife and kids. Farah is my wife, Jaden, Amaya and Chase are my kids. ”

When asked what advice he would give students, he referenced a quote that guides his work. 

“My first quote is one that I’m extremely passionate about, which is, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole, awful lot, nothing is going to get better.’ Dr. Seuss. I really like the Lorax, and that’s where I got this quote from. I taught this to children when I was an elementary assistant principal, where I said to them, if you want to see change in the world, you have to be a part of that. People are going to follow you if you’re authentic, if you’re genuine, if you’re present. And I feel like the messaging has to be on point. If you see the world not going in a direction that you believe it should be, then you can’t wait for someone else to step up to make that change.”

He also shared another guiding message, “Every child needs a champion.”

For Dr. Alston, those ideas are not just words on a wall. They are principles he carries into every interaction. As students continue to pass him in the hallways and stop by his office, he hopes they hear one simple question: “how can I help?”