When people walk into my office and realize I’m the Assistant Principal, I often see them do a quick mental calculation.
I’m 29 years old.
In the world of education, where “leadership” is often equated with “tenure,” my resume tends to raise eyebrows. The unasked question hovering in the room is usually: “How did you get here so fast? And do you actually have enough experience to lead?”
The traditional path to administration usually looks like 15 years in the same grade level, waiting your turn. My path was different. It wasn’t about the length of time in the classroom; it was about the breadth of perspective.
Here is the journey of how I went from teaching rhythm to running a school building in under a decade, and why I believe leadership is a mindset, not a seniority ranking.
Phase 1: The Music Room (Mastering Management)
I started my career as a Music Teacher.
Whenever I tell people this, they usually smile and imagine we just sang songs all day. But any “Specials” teacher knows the reality: The music room is the ultimate boot camp for classroom management.
When you are the only adult in a room with 30 or more students holding percussion instruments, you learn very quickly that if you don’t have a system, you have a riot.
Leading a music class taught me two things that I use every day as an Assistant Principal:
- Non-Verbal Communication: You have to command a room without shouting. A conductor/teacher leads with presence, not just volume.
- Efficiency: You have 45 minutes to get them in, get them focused, rehearse, and get them out. There is no time for “dead air.”
I didn’t know it then, but managing the logistics of a music program was my first lesson in managing school operations.
Phase 2: The Interventionist (Mastering the Data)
I loved the arts, but I knew that if I wanted to lead a school, I needed to understand the “business” of education: Literacy. I had a realization that my students were rockstar performers and were getting lasting musical experiences, but they were leaving my music room unable to read, and I had to do something.
I transitioned into a role as an Academic Support Interventionist. This was a massive pivot. I went from looking at the “whole child” creatively to looking at the “whole child” analytically.
This role forced me to trade sheet music for spreadsheets. I learned how to analyze reading gaps, navigate the RTI (Response to Intervention) process, and have difficult data conversations with colleagues.
The Leadership Lesson: You cannot improve instruction if you don’t know what the numbers are telling you. This role gave me the confidence to walk into data meetings and actually help teachers move the needle.
Phase 3: The 5th Grade Classroom (Mastering the Culture)
Before I felt ready for the office, I needed to feel the specific pressure of a “tested” grade. I moved into the 5th-grade classroom.
This was the final piece of the puzzle. 5th grade is a pivotal year—students are transitioning from “little kids” to pre-teens. The social dynamics are complex, and the state testing pressure is real.
Being a classroom teacher in a high-stakes grade taught me empathy. Now, when I send an email to my staff or schedule a meeting, I remember exactly how tired I was at 2:30 PM on a Tuesday. I remember the stress of “Testing Season.”
I promised myself I would never become the administrator who forgets what the grind feels like.
Why “The Accelerated Admin”?
I didn’t move up quickly because I was trying to escape the classroom. I moved up because I realized that my unique mix of experiences—Arts, Intervention, and Classroom experience—gave me a lens that could help other teachers and ultimately students grow.
I created this blog to share that lens. Whether you are:
- An aspiring administrator wondering how to ace the interview (start with these 3 books)…
- A young teacher looking for leadership opportunities or strategies to improve your practice…
- Or a current leader trying to improve your school systems and culture…
…you are in the right place. We are going to talk about practical systems, honest leadership, and how to make an impact regardless of the birth year on your driver’s license.
Leadership doesn’t have a speed limit. Let’s get to work.