CO_Fernando_Branch_400px | National Principals Month

Click the photos below to read why these principals love what they do.

“No two days are ever alike; it’s very satisfying to make a difference for our next generation’s leaders! Students supply the energy to propel our building, district and community forward. We have highly energized students! It’s also rewarding to work alongside like-minded professionals looking to leave a legacy of ‘students first!’”
— Brian Wilch, Hudson (OH) High School

“What an honor to work with amazing staff, parents, and community members on behalf of ‘what’s right’ for our children! Proud to be a principal!”
— Missie Patshke, Upper Providence Elementary, Royersford, PA

“I love to help teachers and students develop the skills necessary to be globally competitive and lead meaningful and fruitful lives.”
— Douglas Elmendorf, Chase Elementary School, Middle River, MD

“I love being part of a school family where kids grow and reach for greatness.”
— David Essink, Hastings (NE) Middle School

“How else can you compound the great work being done? I want to strive to have our school’s leadership to be ‘more powerful than compound interest’ – by supporting great staff and students!”
— Sharif El-Mekki, Mastery Charter-Shoemaker Campus, Philadelphia, PA

“I get a daily dose of learning alongside students, teachers and school staff members, and benefit from a host of community connections that support our efforts.”
— Donna Loewen, Lincoln School, Dubuque, IA

“I love the interaction with staff and students on a daily basis. Building those relationships helps to nurture our family-like atmosphere.”
— Evelyn Edney, Dover (DE) High School

“I love being a principal for the relationships I build with students and staff!”
— Pamela Vickaryous, Manatee Middle School, Naples, FL

“I love being surrounded by teachers who are dedicated to ensuring student success. Giving students every opportunity to be successful post-high school is my goal every day.”
— Leslie Frazier, Coweta (OK) Intermediate High

“My favorite thing about being a principal is challenging others to become better!”
— Adam Baker, Heritage Elementary, St. George, UT

“I love being a principal because we see the students in so many different ways. We watch them learn, develop, get excited, find themselves, and seek a future.”
— Rita Elrod Pintaville, Kennedale, TX

“Love + Serve + Care = PrinciPAL!”
— Beth Van Amburgh, LaRue Miller Elementary, Midlothian ISD, Midlothian, TX

“It’s all about the children. It is such a joy to work with children and see their progress over the year. Love it! Of course, I love working with my staff, parents, and our military community. They are the best!”
— Hattie Phipps, J.K. Mendel Elementary School, APO, AP, 09603

“I love providing encouragement to students, parents, teachers, and office staff. When I can help others through a difficult academic or personal struggle, I know I have I have made a difference.”
— Karen Wilson, First Coast Christian School, Jacksonville, FL, 32244

“In this position I get to truly be a part of something special. As a middle school principal, I get to experience and impact the transitional time in a young adult’s life.”
— Nina Davis, L’Anse Creuse Middle School, Chesterfield, MI, 48044

“I love being a principal because it gives me daily opportunities to positively change lives and impact futures by creating the conditions for teachers to teach, students to learn, and others to serve.”
— Dwight Carter, New Albany High School, New Albany, OH, 43054

“I love creating an environment where kids and teachers can enjoy coming to learn. I enjoy being in classrooms, reading to students and interacting, or playing, with them at recess. I believe in my students and love to recognize their successes, great and small.”
— Kas Nelson, Vici Elementary School, Vici, OK, 73859

“I love being a principal because every day is different and exciting! Every day is a new day to help someone change their life, to grow and improve! Everyday is my chance to make a difference!”
— Michael Allison, Hopewell High School, Aliquippa, PA, 15001

“I love being a part of every child’s life. I was there when they make mistakes. I was there when they won a game. I was there when they failed a test. I was there when they broke down. I was there when they made the best out of a difficult situation. I am proud to be their principal.”
— Jenny Remka, Hugh B. Bain Middle School, Cranston, RI, 02910

“I am blessed! Each day I am charged with the ensuring the learning and motivation of 650 student and adult learners. Together, as a team, our efforts are focused and intentional to help children love school while they are learning to take risks to reach their greatest potential.”
— Virginia Catoe, Doby’s Mill Elementary School, Lugoff, SC, 29078

“I love having the opportunity to guide my students to become better 21st-century citizens.”
— Margarita Rosa Ruiz Fierros, Preparatoria UDLAP SEDIF, Puebla City, Puebla, Mexico

“I love being a principal because each day I have the gift of being a part of a teacher’s or student’s growth! The joy of being a part of an ‘Aha!’ moment never fades!”
— Erin Trapanese, Samuels Elementary School, Denver, CO, 80237

“There is no greater profession in the world that allows you the opportunity to develop young minds, change souls, and create possibility working toward success in life for every student. This is the work, this is the pride, this is the joy of being a Principal.”
— Fernando Branch, West Generation Academy, Denver, CO, 80204

“Each day I am able to impact the lives of the students who enter our school building. Our positive atmosphere and our culture of kindness, respect, safety and responsibility resonate in every interaction with students, staff,and families. As principal it is my responsibility to lead this charge, and it is my true pleasure to do so.”
— Michael Caira, Henry E. Warren Elementary School, Ashland, MA, 01721

“‘Access without support is not an opportunity.’ I strive to be that support.”
— Jesse Tijerina, Greeley Central High School, Greeley, CO, 80631