Exploring the Power of Community and Mentorship as a School Leader

Every stage of my life has been connected to Chicago’s Southeast Side. After coming to the U.S. from Mexico when I was nine years old, I started my education at Jane Addams Elementary School. I felt so welcomed there despite the initial challenges of being in a new country with a new language. I was amazed that so many people at the school were able to speak Spanish and connect with my family. This experience propelled me to be interested in a career in education. 

My first teaching position in CPS was in the neighborhood at Gallistel Language Academy. My principal there opened up every door that she could. I served on the Instructional Leadership Team. I joined the Local School Council. I was basically in every other committee that was open to me. All of these opportunities opened my eyes to the possibility that I could have a larger impact than just in my classroom.

At Gallistel, I led the instructional side of our bilingual program. It was critical to me that we transformed the program because I wanted to make sure we were increasing our students’ proficiency in their native language. I wanted students to be able to continue communicating with their parents and grandparents. I wanted them to enhance their connections to their culture and heritage. I was able to carry this mission at Gallistel and later at Moos Elementary where I led as dual language coordinator and later as resident principal.

I’m now in my sixth year as principal of Sadlowski Elementary School and am celebrating the smoothest start to the year I’ve ever seen. Every year, our team works to fine-tune our systems and structures. One area we are working hard on is improving our attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism. We ensure that data is transparent to teachers, families, and students so that we can all partner and ensure students are at school every day. We strive to create an environment where students are excited to learn!

Sadlowski is hosting a resident principal this year, Mr. Edwards, and along with AP Dr. Adeoye, I’m making sure that he has plenty of opportunities to see what school leadership looks like. I also enjoy having him in the building because he brings a fresh perspective on what may need additional improvement. 

Mentorship is so important to me because my own trajectory would not exist without mentors. They believed in me and gave me the space to make mistakes and learn from them. For all resident principals, including Mr. Edwards, I would say the best thing you can do is lean into the discomfort. 

As leaders, sometimes it can be tempting to prioritize working in areas where we are already very comfortable. However, that is not the best way to grow in your practice. A principal oversees every single aspect of a school’s operations and instruction, so you have to focus on gaining knowledge across the board. Having your eyes and ears on as many areas of the school as possible will help you be ready when it is your time to lead a school of your own. 

It’s important to stay curious and inquisitive, and not be afraid to take a risk or two. This advice also applies to my students. They’re all coming from different backgrounds and have different lived experiences, but I know they can accomplish what they set their minds to. It will take time and support, but I know they can do it. When a newcomer comes to Sadlowski, I take a moment to share my story. I let them know that I was once in their shoes, and now I am the principal. I hope that this story inspires them and connects them to our school community. ¡Sí se puede!

Principal Appreciation Month always reminds me to take care of myself as I work through the various challenges of leading a school. I remind myself to savor the positive moments that happen every day and encourage other principals to do the same. Happy Principal Appreciation Month!