Paducah Middle School

What are the greatest things about your job as principal?

I “get” to come to work each day. It truly is a blessing to have your life’s purpose and profession to align. I realize there are so many people who “have” to go to work and it is just a means to an end to provide for their family. Our work goes far beyond a job, creating a tapestry of work for the world to marvel.

At the end of each workday, what do you feel best about?

I feel best about all the students and staff making it home safely.

Why do you choose to stay in the profession and lead your school?

I choose to stay because I was built for this work. Even on my hardest days I realize, during reflection, this is truly my superpower.

Yates Elementary School

What are the greatest things about your job as principal?

At the heart of it, I feel like I get to make a real difference in these kids’ lives, helping them navigate their educational path and creating a place where they feel safe and supported. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to lead and inspire my team, watching them collaborate and grow. We continually work to improve, implementing new strategies and utilizing data to ensure that every child receives a high-quality education. Connecting with families and the community is essential and incredibly rewarding. It’s about building a shared sense of responsibility. Honestly, the biggest reward is watching our students and staff flourish, seeing that growth is what it’s all about.

At the end of each workday, what do you feel best about?

At the end of the day, what truly makes me smile is knowing that we’ve made a difference, even in small ways, for our students. Seeing them succeed, whether it’s a lightbulb moment in class or overcoming a personal hurdle, is huge. Additionally, when I see our staff working together and solving a challenging problem, it’s a great feeling. And, of course, watching our plans come to life and seeing the school progress is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Why do you choose to stay in the profession and lead your school?

Honestly, what keeps me in this job is a deep-seated passion for ensuring that every child receives a great education. I genuinely want to make a positive difference in their lives. Additionally, I appreciate that I’m always learning and growing professionally. Being able to contribute to my community is also important to me. But the absolute best part? Seeing the tangible results of our hard work and watching the positive changes unfold. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Whitley Central Intermediate School

What are the greatest things about your job as principal?

The best part of my job is watching our students learn and grow—not just academically, but in their confidence and character. Seeing how that growth shapes their future is what makes this work so meaningful.

At the end of each workday, what do you feel best about?

At the end of the day, I feel proud knowing that every decision I made was with kids in mind. Doing what’s best for them is always my priority.

Why do you choose to stay in the profession and lead your school?

I stay because I truly believe there’s no greater investment than in our kids. They are the heart of our communities, and they’re the reason I show up and lead every day.

Ponderosa Elementary School

What are the greatest things about your job as principal?

The kids, parents and staff. They give us the opportunity to impact individuals and an entire school on a daily basis with positivity, care, and passion at all levels of learning.

At the end of each workday, what do you feel best about?

At the end of each day I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve our students and community to help move education forward. Small growth each day leads to huge changes over time. The way to complete a long journey is one step at a time. We guide the steps.

Why do you choose to stay in the profession and lead your school?

Education is a noble profession. I choose leadership daily as a way to serve and help our community in developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Bowling Green Junior High School

What are the greatest things about your job as principal?

The greatest part of being a principal is the ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students every single day. Whether it’s celebrating a student’s growth, supporting a teacher’s instructional goals, or collaborating with families to meet individual needs, the work is incredibly rewarding. I also value the sense of community that comes from leading a school where relationships, trust, and shared purpose drive everything we do.

At the end of each workday, what do you feel best about?

At the end of the day, I feel best when I know I’ve been present and supportive—whether that meant having a conversation with a student who needed encouragement, helping a teacher navigate a challenge, or simply creating a calm, positive atmosphere in the building. It’s the small wins that add up and make a difference over time.

Why do you choose to stay in the profession and lead your school?

I choose to stay because I believe in the power of public education and the potential of every child. Leading Bowling Green Junior High allows me to be part of something bigger than myself—a mission that shapes the future. Despite the challenges, this work is filled with purpose, and I feel honored to lead and serve alongside such passionate educators.