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Natale, Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County: Advize Career Interview
Natale's inspiring career journey, from UCLA's Bruin Corps to a high school principalship at The SEED School, showcases a dedication to supporting students' academic and personal growth.
A multifaceted role encompassing conflict resolution, teacher development, and staff recruitment, the daily work is dynamic, ranging from instructional meetings to crisis management.
Compassion, integrity, and confidence are essential skills, alongside a strong understanding of purpose.
The most rewarding aspects are building relationships and witnessing students flourish, while staffing shortages pose the biggest challenge.
For aspiring educators, entry-level positions in tutoring, project management, or counseling are recommended.
The interview emphasizes the importance of relationship building, effective communication, and advocating for fair compensation, highlighting the profound impact a career in education can have.
The experience of a woman of color navigating the field also illustrates the importance of resilience and community building.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Natale Mejia
Principal
The SEED School of Los Angeles County
UCLA Class 2010
The Johns Hopkins University, Class of 2013, MsEd. in Urban Education; USC, Class of 2020, Ed.D in Educational Leadership
Ethnic & Related Studies
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County
Natale's career path began with four years at UCLA Brewing Corps, transitioning into three years as a Teach for America middle school math teacher in Baltimore, and also included teaching incarcerated students. This experience led to further teaching roles in various states, culminating in assistant principal and now principal positions, a journey Natale describes as "a long journey" dedicated to supporting "children and their academic development."
Main Responsibilities of a Principal at The SEED School LA County
Natale, a high school principal, wears many hats, "from conflict resolution to supporting teacher development," also focusing on staff recruitment, retention, and developing systems within their founding high school. The role is multifaceted, encompassing diverse tasks and responsibilities.
A Day in the Life of a Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County
Natale's workday as a high school principal is highly variable, ranging from "instructional meetings, planning meetings, data meetings" on calm days to late nights addressing crises like "a fight or a confrontation," especially given the boarding school setting. The role demands diverse skills encompassing instruction, coaching, conflict resolution, and extensive family partnerships.
Most Important Skills for a Principal at SEED School of Los Angeles County
Natale, a principal, cites compassion as the most crucial skill, emphasizing the need to understand that "their frontal lobe is not fully developed," requiring adaptability and flexibility in navigating daily challenges. Integrity is also paramount, given access to sensitive student information, while confidence allows effective leadership and the ability to seek support when needed.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Principal At The SEED School Of Los Angeles County
Natale, a high school principal, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be "the opportunity to build relationships" and witness student growth academically, socially, and emotionally, instilling "love" in the process; this approach, unusual for a high school principal, centers on compassion and supporting both teachers and students on their individual journeys.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Principal at SEED School of LA County
Natale, a Principal at The SEED School, cites staffing shortages as the biggest challenge, stating that "capacity right now" is a major issue impacting their ability to maintain adequate adult supervision for students. The difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff, exacerbated by post-pandemic remote work options, necessitate Natale's juggling of multiple roles, leaving the school feeling "very thin" on certain days.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry as a Principal
Natale, a Principal at The SEED School, finds the greatest reward in "the impact that you can make working with children," particularly the long-term effects, citing examples of students sharing life updates and successes years after graduation as bringing "a lot of joy." This highlights the deeply fulfilling nature of Natale's career in education, focusing on the lasting impact of mentorship.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Education Industry According To A Principal At The SEED School Of Los Angeles County
Natale, a Principal at The SEED School, identifies a key trait for success in education: knowing "your why"—a strong understanding of purpose that provides resilience when facing "competing demands" and challenges inherent in the field. This internal drive allows individuals to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and maintain commitment to their work.
What a Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Education Industry
Natale, a high school principal, emphasizes the importance of salary negotiation, stating, "Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate," because the role demands significant time commitment beyond typical expectations, making proper compensation crucial. The significant time investment with students and families necessitates advocating for fair pay.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Principals
Natale, a Principal at The SEED School, suggests entry-level positions such as tutoring, project management, and counseling as beneficial stepping stones for undergraduates interested in education. These roles develop crucial skills in "working with teams, building teams," and navigating "the different nuances that they bring to the work," aligning with the multifaceted demands of leadership roles in education.
Career Lesson From a Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County
Natale, a principal with 14 years in education, emphasizes the crucial lesson that "they won't care what you know until they know that you care," highlighting the importance of relationship-building over positional power in leading both students and adults. This approach, moving "from transaction into relation," ensures greater receptiveness and implementation of ideas.
College Experiences That Helped a Principal at SEED School Los Angeles County Succeed
Natale's UCLA experience, including participation in a sorority and Bruin Corps, provided invaluable leadership and management skills, crucial for their career. These extracurricular activities taught the importance of "networking, communication, managing multiple things," and helped build their professional brand and navigate diverse situations.
How Identity Has Influenced a Principal at The SEED School of Los Angeles County's Career
Natale's career journey as a woman of color has been marked by periods of both pride and discouragement, where they felt the world wasn't always ready to embrace "a woman in all of her leadership," leading to experiences of discrimination and hardship. This prompted the development of resilience, the creation of safe spaces for reflection, and the building of a supportive community to navigate challenges.
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