Each week, Education World profiles a different school principal. His
or her responses offer insight into what it takes to be a principal, what
a principal's day is like, and the special challenges a principal faces.
Laura Guggino
Your school:
Rhame Avenue Elementary School is a K-6 school in East Rockaway, New York
(385 students).
Education experience:
I have been a principal for two years. Prior to that I was a classroom
teacher (grades 4, 5, and 6) for seven years and an assistant principal
for 1 year.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?
I have another cup of coffee! I enjoy the relaxed pace before the
staff and students arrive. I read emails, prepare for the events of the
day, and visit early morning breakfast programs.
Do you expect to finish your working life in this career? Absolutely.
What could be greater?
What is your education motto?Every teacher is a fourth grade
teacher. Each teacher, regardless of grade level, must be teaching
to the challenging fourth grade curriculum. New York’s assessment tests,
given in fourth grade, test the cumulative knowledge of students. Teachers
in the lower grades have as much responsibility for preparing students
for test success as fourth-grade teachers do.
If you have a bad day, what is it that gets you out the door and
off to work then next morning? I have a folder in my desk labeled
"ME." Each time I receive a positive note, remark, or illustration during
the year -- whether it is from a parent, student, or staff member -- I
add it to the folder. On those tough days, I look through the folder and
remember the thanks I have received from others, the people I have touched,
or the kindness that has been shown to me. It is remarkable how fast doing
that brings a smile to my face and gets me motivated for another day.
What is an unforgivable trait in a colleague? Not considering
or meeting the best interests of the children.
What does your work contribute to society? The business of educating
children molds the minds of tomorrow.
What do you do to relieve stress? My best stress relievers
are going the gym for a cardiovascular workout and walking my dog.
What is the most important quality of a strong school leader?
The ability to be a good communicator. I strive to be an active listener
and to convey my thoughts and ideas effectively.
What have you been reading lately? Recently, I read Who
Moved My Cheese? and Word Matters.
If you’re having a good day at work, what makes it good? Directly
touching and influencing the life of a child; successfully supporting
a staff member; assisting a parent in need.
What special thing do you do that you think all principals should
do? I make a point of being visible. I get out of the office and into
the classrooms.
How do you motivate your staff to go above-and-beyond? I encourage
more than I motivate. We all must work in the best interests of the children
in mind. With that as the goal, motivation becomes intrinsic.
Your school: