Middle School Principals
Years ago my architect father needed to inspect a building he had designed in a strange and unfamiliar place (to me) - a place named Havertown. I accompanied him on this trip to the office building on Haverford Road, not knowing that this area would soon play a major role in my life. Never did I dream that Haverford Township would become my "other home" as it has been for the past 37 years.
My career in education followed a fairly direct path. I wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember, certainly at least from the age of four. My dolls, stuffed animals and my compliant younger sister endured my initial efforts.
Years later, when my intents became more focused I earned a cum laude degree in History with a certification in elementary education from Immaculata College. Several years later, while I was teaching, I received a degree in Special Education from Temple University. Shortly thereafter I received my principal's certification from the University of Pennsylvania.
My Haverford years began when I was hired by then principal Ed Johnson to teach the third grade at the Oakmont School. He ushered me into a world of which I had long dreamed and helped me to practice what I always knew to be true- that we existed for our students and should only give them our best. Not surprisingly, for the nine years that I called Oakmont "home" I happily learned how much 8-year-old children could teach me.
Then, and with much trepidation on my part, I moved into the world of administration at the insistence of my principal, Ed Johnson.
How my eyes were opened.
My first experience as a principal was at the Brookline Elementary School. My fears gave way to wonder. That became admiration and then appreciation for all that I learned there. Those 5 years were filled with joys that I would never have expected.
When the Brookline School was closed I was moved to the Coopertown Elementary School, where, for 16 years, the joys I experienced at Brookline followed me. I learned, all the more, that a "family" can be created from diverse and caring individuals. Coopertown was just such a family. Once again, my days there were filled with excitement and delight.
Finally, hard as it is to believe, I am going into my 10th year as Principal of Haverford Middle School. No one could have convinced me that I would so enjoy working with growing adolescents.They are "walking" adventures - and they remind me of how hard it can be to live the life of a middle school student in these days and times. As in my previous schools, I am fortunate to work with and learn from the many fine individuals who populate this home. Being "in the middle" has more joys that you might realize.
Where have the years gone?
This I know for certain - my years in this district have brought me unbelievable treasure - from the blessings of working with and learning from outstanding colleagues to the daily gifts of seeing each child grow and learn. When I leave the building each day I can always think of something positive that took place, something that made me laugh, made me smile, made me think, made me remember why I chose to teach.
No one has been more fortunate than I.
All I ever wanted to do was teach. My parents felt that I should get a job, but I knew that the only way I could ever be a teacher was to attend college, so at 17 I enrolled at West Chester State College and found a job so I could pay my way. Born and raised in Philadelphia it was only natural that when I graduated from college with an elementary/special education degree I would begin my career with the School District of Philadelphia. While I taught, I pursued my Master's in Special Education at Temple University and then my Supervisory, Principal and Letter of Eligibility.
Looking back now I realize that the happiest days I ever had as a teacher, was when Philadelphia gave me a classroom of sixteen 6 grade students with no books, no supplies and not one student with the ability to read. It was there that the seeds were sown for what would later become my doctoral work at Temple University that focused on adding student voice to the dialogue about education. In my classroom, the students and I created an environment where all students could learn at their own pace. Every child in that room was reading by December. The students also wanted to learn how to use public transportation so we traveled all over the city visiting museums. The joy and pleasure I received learning with those students has stayed with me to today.
It was also those feelings that brought me back to middle school administration 8 years ago. Before that time I was mostly working in central offices in special education administration. I applied for my current position at Haverford Middle School because I love adolescents and all of their crazy and ridiculous thoughts, ideas and behaviors. For me it is a privilege to be a part of their journey to adulthood and I hope that I can help them and guide them as they struggle with their search for self-identity.
Splash! A young seventh grade boywas immersed in the waters of the Florida Keys. It was on a middle school field trip, called Sea Camp, thatI discovered an affinity for marine biology and science. My seventh grade Life Science teacherdramatically altered my future trajectory. From that point, my life changedfrom an academically disengaged adolescent to a young adult invested in thelearning process.
Once in high school, the saltyoceanic water flavored my curiosity and led me to challenge myself with almostevery science course available. That academic upturn earned me an academicscholarship to college. Since then, I have earned a Bachelor of Science Degreein Biology from West Chester University, multiple master’s degrees in educationand administration from Temple University and a doctoral degree from NovaSoutheastern University.
At that middle school field trip Ilearned the phenomenon of mutualism (when two organisms benefit from being in,on or near each other). As I thrive on applying the information learned ingraduate coursework to my work environment, my career in education has beensymbolized by the mutuality phenomenon. I have been engaged in some form of learning every year of service sinceI entered the education profession. I am proud to have served 16 years in public education, 10 years as ascience educator and 6 as an administrator at Haverford High School. Mydoctoral dissertation focused on the transition of middle school students intothe high school environment. Ilook forward to being a resource for the middle school on this criticalissue. Most importantly, I ameager to begin my 17th year in education in my new role of as the Sixth GradeAdministrator at Haverford Middle School.
I am passionate about manythings. I believe with theadvances in online instruction and learning resources that there shouldn’t bean uneducated person on this planet. I value the importance of parental involvement, but especially thesignificant role of fatherhood. Health and fitness is a life long priority that can impact physical andmental wellness. Most importantlyI believe that the middle school years, as awkward and challenging as they canbecome, are one of the most critical intersections to impact life longachievement. Welcome to the middleschool class of 2017, Splash!
Natalie Hiller, 8th Grade, Assistant Principal
