Principal inspires teachers to leave a lasting legacy
Channel Hutchinson has always dreamed of working in the film industry. Today, she is living out that dream in an unexpected way as the principal of New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell, a Dallas ISD choice school that offers students career pathways in film, animation, and gaming.
By blending her passion for storytelling with a commitment to student success, Hutchinson is helping to prepare the next generation of students for success in the creative arts.
Hutchinson said she believes her role as principal is to inspire her teachers to leave a legacy of greatness. With “Leaving a Legacy” as a schoolwide theme, Hutchinson opened the 2024-2025 school year asking her staff to reflect on their impact.
“I encouraged my team to think about what they want their legacy to be, in this district and here at New Tech,” she said.
As far as her own legacy goes, Hutchinson believes she is living her life’s purpose by helping students embrace their individuality and explore topics they love.
Through her leadership, students are gaining access to creative careers they might not have otherwise considered, she said.
“We’re all here to do what’s best for the students and help them reach their highest potential so they can live out their dreams and fulfill their goals,” Hutchinson said. “That is what guides me. I want to show them that not only can they pursue a career in film, animation, and gaming, but they can thrive in it.”
Hutchinson holds a bachelor’s degree in film communication from the University of New Orleans and a master’s in curriculum instruction from the University of Phoenix. She has used her passion for film to help transform the culture at New Tech, creating a space where students feel empowered to dream big and succeed.
“It is an honor to have a film program at our school,” Hutchinson said. “To culminate the year with a film festival in the community at Bishop Arts Theatre Center was one of the highlights of my year. That was something that I’ve envisioned ever since I took this seat as principal, and this year it finally came to fruition.”
Hutchinson’s dedication and vision were recognized when she was named Dallas ISD’s 2024-2025 Principal of the Year for Choice/Magnet High Schools during the State of the District event that took place at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in May.
“Receiving this award was exciting. It was validating,” Hutchinson said. “My team and I put in a lot of work to get to this point. I see this as not just an award for me, but as an award for all of us. I don’t get to be Principal of the Year without the team of the year. It’s affirming to know that people beyond my school building see what we do.”
Before becoming principal, Hutchinson served as assistant principal at the school for three years. Her goal since stepping into leadership has been to build a school culture that challenges students and teachers to reach their fullest potential.
“I think legacy is big,” she said. “We really focused on legacy this past year because I wanted my staff to think about what they want to be remembered for. This year solidified a big part of what I want my legacy to be.”
