There are times in life when unique opportunities present
themselves and the path of our lives take an unexpected turn. These can often be difficult times as they
typically bring about changes that can be painful. This past summer I accepted a position as Chief Academic Officer with my school corporation. When I started in education, central office administration was something I thought I'd never do...yet here I am!
While
I am excited about this opportunity and the path I believe God is leading me on
as a school leader, the change has been tough. I loved being an elementary principal. The four years as an elementary principal will be four of my best.
The
decision to move to this position was not an easy one. It was made with much prayer, counsel and
thought. This was a hard move because I
absolutely loved by job. I love
leading an incredible group of teachers. I loved the kids at my school. I loved serving the local community and parents.
So why did I make this move? I shared with you a while back about how I
felt the call of God in my life to serve Him through public education. I was working at Von Humboldt Elementary
School in Chicago and although I had never thought about being a teacher, I
knew the Lord was calling me to education.
As a classroom teacher I was blessed to be able to minister to and make
a positive difference in the lives of my class of 25-30 students every school
year.
As
classroom teacher, I never considered being a building principal. However, as I began the next step in my own
education, the Lord led through circumstances with a Master’s Degree. In the course of my studies at Ball State, I
felt His call to serve as a building leader.
As a principal, I was blessed to be able to minister to and make a
positive difference in the lives of 530 students every school year.
When
I started as a principal, I never considered working in a central office
administrative role. While I love many
aspects of my job, I began to realize that not only do I love working with the children,
I love working with teachers, working with curriculum, figuring out what works
for struggling students, and the challenges that collaborative teams
face every day. I began to realize that
if there were to be a job where I would focus my efforts on those areas in a
way that helps others I would be interested and so when the position of Chief
Academic Officer opened up, I was interested.
It hasn't been easy. I love kids! I love the interactions I have with them
every day. I often joke with many of my teachers that I’m kind of like grandma and grandpa; I get to mess around/joke/”rile up”
the kids and then they go back to them for class! I believe the Lord is again leading
in my life, taking me into a new role where my influence and ability to serve
broadens to a whole school corporation.
I am able to serve 7,200 students and their families. I am able to serve hundreds of teachers and
staff members. I believe this new
position for me is the ultimate “support staff” position. I am happy that although I won’t be serving
you as your building principal, I will still be working with you, and serving
you as your Chief Academic Officer.
I am
excited about this new chapter in my life.
I am excited to work under Dr. Hoffert’s leadership. I am excited to be used by God to serve our
school corporation. I believe in our
mission here at Warsaw Community Schools…to inspire and equip all students to
continuously acquire and apply knowledge and skills while pursuing their dreams
and enriching the lives of others. So
often those dreams change and that change is hard, but when we spend our dreams
enriching others, life is full.
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