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Featured Principals: January 2024
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How and why did you become a principal? There are many reasons on why I pursued a principal job, but the main reason is that I get to help both staff and students grow and develop. What are you most proud of in your work? I am most proud of the time that I commit to the students. I have created time in my schedule that allows me to spend time working with and building relationships with students. What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? We have a very strong PBIS program called Viking Valor. Our staff are committed to teaching students how to act with respect, hold one another accountable, and to setting high standards. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? I like to step away. It often feels like we are running a 100 meter dash with no finish line in sight. I enjoy leaving my work at school and taking off my running shoes. This gives me time to refocus for the next day. What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? Before all else, build relationships. How many years have you been a principal? 1 year |
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How and why did you become a principal? After twelve years of teaching, a friend and colleague approached me about working together to obtain our principal's license. She convinced me to take classes and we both ended up obtaining administrative positions within the same year. I became a principal so that I could continue to interact with students but also be involved in decisions around curriculum and creating a positive, high-quality learning environment for staff and students. What are you most proud of in your work? I am most proud of the tremendous staff that we have at our building. During formal observations during my first few years as an administrator, I remember vividly being so impressed with the instruction happening in our classrooms. Like so many others schools and districts today, we work hard to keep current in teaching strategies, provide social/emotional support and move our students forward in their understanding of grade-level standards and curriculum. What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? Our master schedule is designed to support school-wide classroom morning meetings. This is definitely not a new concept but incorporating the meetings, paired with our trauma-informed approach, creates a family of learners in each classroom that support and care for one another...most of the time!;) | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? Being present / in the moment is something that I am constantly working on. Wonderful administrative assistants and an organized calendar helps, as does a supportive family and understanding staff. What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? When I was hired, Renee Kerzman (my predecessor), noted that the staff that you hire as an administrator is your legacy. Experience has shown me the accuracy of her belief and how important finding the right people for the job really is. I hope that my own legacy includes finding and retaining exceptional educators for our students and fellow staff. How many years have you been a principal? 11 Years |
How and why did you become a principal? I was fortunate to have the guidance of exceptional school leaders, in a variety of roles in the educational system. They fostered and encouraged me to enter into leadership roles. These experiences fueled my aspiration to broaden my impact on students and staff by entering the principalship. I took my first principal position at Jackson Country Central’s Riverside Elementary. After four years, I took a position at Lake Crystal Wellcome-Memorial (LCWM) Elementary where I have been for the last 11 years. Every year in the position gets better and helps me hone my skills. What are you most proud of in your work? Our elementary school recently received the National Blue Ribbon award and I take great pride in the journey that has led us to this achievement. To observe the unwavering dedication and hard work exhibited by our students, staff and entire community towards educational excellence has been amazing. I feel so blessed to have been given the privilege of leading such a great team of adults.What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? The many different PBIS ideas that our leadership team has implemented to positively motivate students and staff. Some of them include: weekly grade-level “Noble Knight” awards, Super Knight, weekly Knightline News production, "Positive Referrals" for both staff and students, Golden Garbage Can, Custodian Ken Club, Sub Club, Staff and Teacher of the Month awards, school-wide assemblies, and special days like Turkey Bingo, Fun Day, School-wide Carnival, and many more. The positive environment this leadership team has created has been critical to our success and goals. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? Finding manageable routines and sticking to them have been critical to my success to have balance. The longer I have been in the position the better I have become at this. Exercise, healthy eating, and spending quality time with family and friends are all so important to me. As other principals have shared, I believe it is important to shut down from school work on weekends. I typically do not respond to staff or parent emails, texts, or phone calls after school hours. What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? Network with your colleagues and share ideas. It can be a lonely position, and MESPA principals have great ideas and are amazing. Work hard to build positive relationships with all your families and school community, and show a willingness to do whatever it takes for your students and staff. Finally, be yourself and have fun doing the job. If you can't find joy in the job, find a different job:) How many years have you been a principal? 14 years |
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How and why did you become a principal? It was something that I had in mind when I first started teaching as the position always intrigued me. I had some friends that were looking at taking the same career path so through talking with them and others, I began the process of licensure! I have always loved the system-wide work. I feel there is so much a principal can effect in and around the building and that is something I have always enjoyed. What are you most proud of in your work? The people that I have hired over my time here at Hawley and the retention rate of teachers in the building and district. We have steadily grown so we have added a number of positions in my 13 plus years here as well as turned over a fair number of staff who have retired. We have a great mix of staff who all put students first and hold themselves and each other to high standards. What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? We have worked hard for a number of years on our MTSS system as I'm sure most principals have! We call it WIN (What I Need) time and have made this a priority throughout the day. It's taken a number of years to get the buy in, but as we have seen the results and growth from our kids, more and more are willing to make this a priority in their day. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? I think I have learned this the hard way and probably still learning. I have made many mistakes in my time as a principal and didn't have my priorities in the right order. As my kids have gotten older, I realize how important they are and how important it is to be present during their activities. I was lucky as all of my kids went through (or are going through) my building so I get to see them often! When I'm not at their events, I enjoy refereeing and umpiring sports. I have been officiating basketball for 19 years, baseball and softball for 16 years and football for 2 years. This helps get my mind off the daily grind and I can make a few dollars getting a workout in! What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? It's ok to delegate! You have a staff with many talents, use those strengths to make your building better and better. How many years have you been a principal? This is my 18th year as a principal |