A torchbearer school is one where poverty represents 80% of the student body and where at least 80% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. The Torchbearer program was established in 2004 to recognize the poorest and highest-performing schools in Alabama. Since the program's inception, Birmingham City Schools has had schools recognized as Torchbearing Schools based on high student performance, despite being in the shadow of poverty. Dr. Tilghman and Mr. Brown are two dynamic principals who have transformed their schools into torchbearer schools in the Birmingham City School District. Dr Tilghman is headteacher of Hemphill Primary School located in a very isolated poor area in the west of Birmingham. As principal of Hemphill Elementary, Dr. Tilghman transformed Hemphill into the first school in Birmingham to be certified as an official outdoor classroom site through the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program. In May 2008, his school was certified as a National Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat School. She had to do many things and partner with many people to help her school, its students and its teachers succeed in the face of poverty. Throughout her tenure as principal, she spent time developing and training her staff to see the best vision for improving student learning. However, she believes that as a principal you must have goals, ideas and faith when you are in charge of your school. Culture and climate are a very key element in running a school. The culture and climate at Hemphill Elementary is focused on student success. More importantly, Dr. Tilghman believes that if we increase teacher learning, the overall amount of paper used throughout the day. The use of these techniques has not only proven to be effective from an assessment perspective but has also improved overall student learning. Throughout the day, students in difficulty benefit from approximately ninety minutes of intervention. Being proactive and taking control of a situation is what Mr. Brown does as a principal. Additionally, data is an important driving force and decision-making element at Councill Primary School. Brown and his team use data to highlight weaknesses and look for ways to set students up for success. The focus on student achievement and improving teacher knowledge has been beneficial to Mr. Brown and his school. Finally, Mr. Brown has made great efforts to invest in the training and development of his teachers as they meet the challenges that 21st century students face every day..