As an assistant principal for a Title 1 school, I integrate a myriad of daily decisions with complex personal relationships and changing data to create a cohesive learning environment, leading to improved morale and student outcomes and experiences... Basically, my job is to get the right people to love and inspire kids while holding high expectations for content acquisition. Student learning and experiences improve when staff are passionate about their content and invested in making real-world connections, celebrating the big and small joys, and figuring out what makes a student tick. Without all of that combined together, systems change will not happen. The job of the administrator is to facilitate and lead systemic change in a multitude of ways, including set expectations, hire the right people, support them, hold staff to account when needed, and celebrate all ways things go right.

Prior to becoming an administrator, I loved teaching science for 10 years, with 8 years at all grades of middle school science and 2 years at a 6-A high school, teaching aquatics and AP environmental science. My goal was to combine a laboratory setting with real-world application of content and utilizing interdisciplinary focuses when possible. I taught the way I believe my staff should teach now -- kids first, standards second, and high expectations always.

I was also lucky to serve my district as an instructional facilitator and coach, supporting a variety of science teachers at 8 campuses (3 high schools and 5 middle schools).