What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry According To A Charter School Principal And Administrator At A Middle School
Alma, a charter school principal and administrator, highlights the need for a balance of passion and practicality in the education industry, stating that success requires individuals to be "driven and impassioned by the mission but also practical about how they can offer what they can offer". This approach, coupled with setting attainable goals and establishing boundaries, fosters sustainability within a career often associated with burnout.
Passionate, Practical, Driven, Resilient, Boundary-Setting
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alma Zepeda
Charter School Principal and Administrator
Middle School
Yale College 2012
Johns Hopkins School of Education, MS in Elementary Education, 2015
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Operations and Project Management
International Student, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. People who thrive in the education industry are passionate about teaching and view it as an art and craft.
2. It's important to set practical boundaries and achievable goals to avoid burnout.
3. Success in education requires both passion and a practical approach to fulfilling goals.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
This industry has recently garnered significant attention due to the pandemic, the moments we've just experienced, and the evident gaps in student education. It's also an industry often associated with burnout.
Many believe that post-pandemic, a large number of teachers and administrators are leaving the field. Burnout seems intrinsically linked to teaching, and I don't want to perpetuate that idea.
I believe this industry can be sustainable. The individuals who will remain healthy within it are those who are driven and passionate about the mission, yet also practical about what they can offer.
This means that teaching shouldn't be a fallback career, such as "I wanted to be an actor but it didn't work out" or "I wanted to be a writer, but for now, I'll be an English teacher." You need to be in this profession because you genuinely love teaching and are actively developing your role. Teaching is an art and a craft that you cultivate over time.
Furthermore, you must be practical in your approach. Later, we can discuss what I wish I knew, but it's crucial to set boundaries early on, even in your first year. Define what you want to achieve this year and set attainable goals. You won't change the world in one or even three years; you need to pace yourself.
Ultimately, those who thrive in this industry are deeply passionate about the work and practical in how they pursue their goals within it.
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