Teacher Tara Howell recently took a job as a Vice Principal at Serra High. Before trading in her blue and white for brown and gold this year, she had taught classes at UC High including Marine Science and AP Environmental Science.
Howell stated, “I love working with students and finding ways to help them be successful towards their aspirations, goals, careers and college. I believe I can reach more students in the role of administration, as well as foster strong school pride and assist teachers in finding more opportunities to improve their expertise.”
Howell stated, “I have wanted to go into administration for the last five years and weighed various programs and options before I went through an application process with San Diego Unified and San Diego State University (SDSU)’s Aspiring Administrators program. Depending on the program, the one through SDSU enables teachers to take night classes, shadow principals and work with a mentor as you obtain the administrative credential. In addition, there was an option to obtain a Masters in Educational Leadership, which I also completed.”
Howell stated, “Since I obtained my administrative credential, I have been actively pursuing job opportunities.”
Howell explained, “I chose Serra High because of its proximity to my husband’s work location, the similar commute as when I taught at UC High and because the student population is similar to UC High. I have some teachers here at Serra that I know and enjoy the passion for Serra from the community and staff. In addition, this school is an Equal Opportunity School and was awarded a huge grant from the National Math and Science Initiative, which works on supporting students in AP Math, Science and English. Also, there is a Robotics and Project Lead the Way Engineering Pathway here, which I support. There are lots of opportunities at Serra to grow and develop the science programs, which I am leading in my new position as Vice Principal.”
Howell said, “The work here at Serra High School is very different than being a teacher. As a teacher, one enjoys close interactions with students and colleagues. Teachers have the ability to develop a unique classroom environment that students enjoy and the opportunities to attend various professional development courses that allow one to learn innovative ways to help students engage in the curriculum. As an administrator, there is limited professional development, longer hours and multiple individuals besides students and teachers that one has to communicate with or work with. There are also multiple responsibilities that an administrator is expected to oversee, and having strong multi-task abilities is vital.”
According to Howell, “Skills that I have carried over from teaching are multi-tasking, organization, leadership, technology and communication skills.”
Howell stated, “I am looking forward to my role in supporting the departments that I oversee, working with the staff at Serra to continue to build strong academic pathways and support school spirit. Serra will be celebrating forty years as a school next year and I am overseeing the committee to develop the celebration.”
Howell said, “I miss my current students and past students and always keep an eye out for them when UC High comes over and plays Serra in sporting events. I also miss Rose Canyon and the work on restoration of native plants. UC High is a terrific school, but watch out…. I hope to be part of a team at Serra that CONQUERS! UC-U-KNOW!”
Howell explained, “Originally, when I first began teaching, I had no interest in a career in administration. However, as I developed more leadership roles over my teaching experience, I began to realize that my mindset began to change towards becoming an administrator.” She added, “I would someday hope to be a Principal of a high school and help build a collegiate culture on the campus. As far as returning to the classroom, I have served in that capacity for fifteen years, and I would like to finish out my educational career as an administrator.”
Senior Alena Stein said, “Honestly, I am quite sad that she left. However, I know that she will be able to provide Serra High School with an amazing vice Principal.”
Senior Emily Aguayo stated, “I am not completely upset that she left, because she got a good position working at Serra High School. Good things are coming her way.” She explained, “Yes, I am happy that she left to go inspire other students. She is such a good role model.”