Shaneika Peterkin is a proud product of Baltimore City Public Schools and has dedicated 25 years to serving the district that helped shape her. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, educational associate, math coach, assistant principal, and now principal of Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School. Each role has strengthened her belief that strong schools are built through relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Her leadership is grounded in her 3 E’s: Equity, Efficacy, and Empathy—ensuring decisions are fair and student-centered, believing in the ability of all to succeed, and leading with care and understanding.
In her new role, Principal Peterkin is most excited about building on the strengths that already exist at Margaret Brent while creating new opportunities and activities for our scholars. "I want to increase student voice and leadership by giving students more opportunities to share their ideas, take on leadership roles, and have a meaningful part in their school community," she shared. "At the same time, I want to strengthen our focus on academics, ensuring that every student is challenged, supported, and given what they need to be successful."
Her personal definition of leadership is multi-faceted: “I define educational leadership as creating the conditions for others to be successful. It means setting high expectations while also providing the support, resources, and encouragement people need to meet them. Leadership is not simply about being in charge; it is about serving others, making thoughtful decisions, being willing to listen and learn, and keeping students at the center of the work."
City Schools is proud to introduce our new principals and welcome them into their leadership roles within our school communities. To view the full list of new principals for the 2026-27 school year, click here.