Celebrating National Principals Month: Lisa Rich of Carmel ES!

October is National Principals Month! Our Principals are amazing instructional leaders dedicated to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  We’re recognizing these inspiring leaders with special posts throughout the month. Please join us in thanking them for all they do to support our mission of being the highest performing school district in Georgia.  

Carmel Elementary School Principal Lisa Rich

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I truly believe educators change lives.  It allows you to support people in a completely different way.  I felt called to help students discover their strengths, build confidence, and help them be successful.  I loved coaching and building up my students as a teacher.  As a teacher, you can make connections to learning and build relationships.  As a teacher, you get to be a part of something bigger for a student that really needs you.  You get to be a safe place and a champion for a student. 

Who was the most influential teacher in your life?
The most influential teacher in my life was a teacher who knew I struggled with English language arts, but also saw my work ethic and drive.  I will never forget my second-grade ears hearing Ms. Kelly tell my mom, "She has a weakness, but she works hard, so I know she will be fine."  Ms. Kelly's words mattered that day, and she probably didn’t even know I was listening as I sat on the floor waiting for the conference to be over.  What she told me that day was that I could do anything if I worked hard enough, no matter what.  As a second-grade student, I will never forget her words.  Her encouragement and belief in me shaped who I am today.  She taught me that education is more than academics — and if you work hard, you can overcome any weakness or struggle you may have.  That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career as I help students overcome their struggles and weaknesses. 

What’s a favorite memory from your first year as a teacher?
One of my favorite memories from my first year was watching a struggling student finally succeed with something they had worked on.  Helping students at-risk gave me purpose and an understanding that students come first, always.  No matter where a child starts their race, they can grow, improve, and obtain their goals.  Every child can learn.  Watching my students feel proud about their work and believing in themselves was everything I needed to know my job was important, not just sometimes, but every day. 

How did teaching prepare you to be a Principal?
Teaching prepared me to be a Principal by giving me firsthand experience of what happens in classrooms every day.  I understand the challenges teachers face and the incredible impact they have on students’ lives.  Those years taught me the importance of listening, supporting, and leading looking through the teacher perspective when making decisions for my building.  As a Principal, I will never forget what it is like to be in the classroom.  Teachers are amazing people who wear many hats.  My priority is to ensure the administrative team is supporting them so that they can create the best learning environment for their students.

 #CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankAPrincipal