1. How long have you been a principal? How long did you teach prior to becoming an administrator?

"9 years as an administrator, and 11 years teaching before that".

2. What made you choose the teaching profession originally?

"I enjoy  the students. School had a large impact on me very early on".

3. What advice can you give me to better prepare me for the teaching profession?

"Go back to your "why". There will be a lot of days where you question why you are a teacher, just try to remember why you became one in the first place".

4. What are some of the challenges I will face as a new teacher? What are the rewards in teaching? 

"Kids will challenge their continuously test their boundaries. The rewards are the kids themselves".

5. What does professionalism mean to you? What qualities do you seek in a new teacher? How can I "stand out" during the application, interview, and hiring process after I earn my teaching license?

"Professionalism is knowing the best version of yourself, putting it out there while still connecting with the kids. Making sure that they're prepared, relating to the kids, and still willing to learn".

6. What changes, if any, would you make to the educational system?

"I wish there was more trust towards our professionals. Trusting how we discipline the students, how we teach them, and how we keep them safe".

7. If you could choose another career field, would you?

"I actually left this about three years ago. I hated the other job. I thought to myself, no one cares if I'm here or not. With education, you are going to make an impact in these kids' lives. You just don't get that in many other places".

8. Are there any comments you wish to add to this interview?

"Education is challenging! It's okay to say "no" to things. It's very easy to get burnt out".