When late last Fall, Principal Julia Tidball, was announced as the appointee to Superintendent/Principal of MTUESD to take effect 1-1-11, the search began for an appropriate half time replacement for a Principal at the Copperopolis Elementary School site.
Within their own teaching staff, Kindergarten teacher, Karen Vail had the appropriate Tier 1 credential to carry out the necessary principal duties. Karen quickly became immersed in the finer aspects of the job title, attending multiple meetings and learning on the job. The original plan followed a clear outline, Karen would teach until noon and then seamlessly slip into Julia’s shoes as Julia headed up to Mark Twain campus to complete her Superintendent duties for the rest of the day. While that plan allowed Karen to concentrate wholly on her classroom in the mornings and Julia to split her duties, that plan doesn’t always work to schedule with inherent emergencies that arise during any given day. When those emergencies arise Karen said it is challenging but that the teaching staff at Copper School are “outstanding” and understanding and supportive of the transition process.
A Calaveras County resident since 1982 and teacher since 2000, Karen enjoys the “additional assignment” that challenges her to think in a different way. She also enjoys the fact that it allows her to see some of her students that have grown and the positive direction that they are taking thoroughly embracing “reconnecting with the kids.” Karen is quick to point out “I couldn’t do it without Julia…and Jeanette who helps to bridge the gap between Julia and I.”
Her favorite part of the job is “being able to help co-workers with problem solving and to celebrate the good moments with them.”
Photo by Angels Photography
Interview by Charity Maness
No comments:
Post a Comment