New Principals Face County Schools' Challenges

¿ Year as principal: first.

¿ Hobby: writing poetry.

Q: Why are you an educator?

A: Simply put, because it's important. As an educator, I am continually challenged intellectually and emotionally. It's never boring and while it may sound corny, as an educator, I have the ability to impact the lives of others and to make our future a better place.

What's the secret to success with the county's demanding parents?

It is important to remember parents and educators have at least one thing in common, the desire for their child to succeed. By keeping the focus on the child and approaching situations with an attitude of respect and a willingness to listen, success is inevitable.

Robert Dodd Strathmore Elementary School Silver Spring

¿ Age: 38.

¿ Hometown: Burtonsville.

¿ Education: BA, MA, Western Maryland College.

¿ Background: teacher's aide, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, assistant principal; five schools. Started in Montgomery in 1993.

¿ Year as principal: third.

¿ Hobby: fly-fishing.

Q: Why are you an educator?

A: My father was a principal and my mother was a teacher in [Montgomery public schools], so I grew up with strong beliefs related to the difference public educators could make in children's lives. Now, as a principal myself, I can see clearly that children's opportunities in school and the high expectations for success we convey to them can be the difference maker.

Is it hard to supervise older or more experienced educators?

I find that excellence in teaching cuts across years of service in the classroom. Certainly, quality experience teaching kids helps a lot, but I have seen new teachers that are phenomenal. Being reflective and always wanting to improve instructional practice in the classroom is a core value that all great teachers possess.

Kevin Lowndes Wheaton High School

¿ Age: 43.

¿ Hometown: Tariffville, Conn.

¿ Education: BA, Marietta College; MA, California State

¿ University, Dominguez Hills; administrative certificate, Johns Hopkins University.

¿ Background: "My first job out of college was as a systems analyst for Travelers Insurance Company, Hartford." Junior high school, high school teacher; student support specialist; assistant principal, five schools. Started in Montgomery in 1993.

¿ Year as principal: second.

Q: Why are you an educator?

A: I tried working in business but realized early on that I did not have any passion for that type of work. I am a firm believer in public education and I am passionate about all kids receiving a great education. I believe in helping others and have always enjoyed working with kids.

How far in this field do you hope to go?

I love being a principal and I do not see myself ever leaving the school. For me to be successful I need to focus all my energy and passion on my current job situation.

What's the secret to success with the county's demanding parents?

Always be honest. I am a parent of two, so I always put myself in their situation and work with the parents.

Melissa Brunson Cloverly Elementary School Silver Spring

¿ Age: 34.

¿ Hometown: Jersey City

¿ Education: BA, Montclair State University; MA, College of Notre Dame.

¿ Background: therapeutic treatment counselor, special education resource teacher, acting principal; adjunct community college professor. Started in Montgomery in 2001.

¿ Year as principal: first.

¿ Hobbies: reading mysteries, "collecting odd picture frames."

Q: Why are you an educator?

A: Education is the cornerstone to improving and enriching people's lives. I am honored to be a part of the educational movement.

How far in this field do you hope to go?

It's hard to see far into the future. I am pleased to be a school principal at this time in my life.

Charlene Eroh Ashburton Elementary School Bethesda

¿ Age: 33.

¿ Hometown: Ringtown, Pa.

¿ Education: BS, Penn State; MS, Hood College.

¿ Background: second, third and fifth-grade teacher, staff development teacher, assistant principal, six schools. Started in Montgomery in 2001.

¿ Years as principal: first.

Q: Is it hard to supervise older or more experienced educators?

A: With veteran educators, a principal has the opportunity to hold collegial conferences in which teacher and administrator can work together to help students improve. More experienced educators can also be a terrific resource for helping beginning teachers learn the challenging and rewarding craft of teaching.

What's the secret to success with the county's demanding parents?

All parents expect the best for their children and I have found they are always willing to support the school in many ways to ensure that their children receive the best possible education. The way to achieve success with all parents is to be open and honest, to ask for suggestions and value their input, and to invite them to be real partners in educating their children.