Each week, Education World profiles a different school principal or assistant principal. His or her responses offer insight into what a school administrator's day is like and the special challenges school leaders face.
Dr. Lee Yeager
Your School:
S & S Middle School, a 6 - 8 school in Sadler, Texas (211 students)
Education experience:
I spent 15 years as classroom math teacher and four years as an assistant
principal.
Do you expect to finish your working life in this career?
Yes, I cannot imagine working out of education. I enjoy my job.
What is the biggest challenge you face this school year?
Finding creative ways to stretch our resources. We are a small school
in a rural district. Each staff member performs multiple tasks. In addition,
our students have to travel long distances to get to campus, which makes
it difficult to create a sense of community.
What is your education mission?
I am committed to excellence in education. I consider it my mission to
find the best teachers to help the students at S & S Middle School.
If you have a bad day, what is it that gets you out the door and off
to work then next morning?
I really do not have bad days. I always think that each day brings a new
opportunity.
Who most influenced your decision to become an educator?
My father was a teacher. However, it was an experience as a tutor while
in college that convinced me that I needed to get out of engineering and
into education.
What is the most important quality of a strong school leader?
A strong school leader must have the ability to inspire people to improve
and be able to communicate a sense of efficacy to students and staff.
What have you been reading lately?
I am currently reading What Is It About Me That You Can't Teach?, The
Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency, and Good to Great.
If you're having a good day at work, what makes it good?
It's a good day when teachers are excited about students' successes and
students are proud of their accomplishments and eager to return the next
day.
What special thing do you do that you think all principals should
do?
I shake hands with all the staff and as many students as possible each
day.
How do you motivate your staff to go above-and-beyond?
I praise them publicly, encourage them, and recognize their efforts and
successes.
Your School: