Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Johnson.
Candace, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
College was not something my family talked about growing up. My parents nor my siblings went to college, so I was the first generation to attend college. I knew that if I wanted to be a teacher, I had to go to school. I attended Ranger Junior College on a softball scholarship. After a year, I transferred to Sam Houston State University and pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. I taught English to newcomers and coached softball and volleyball for four years. I moved back to the Dallas area and taught middle school and high school for eight more years. I like a challenge, so I took on leadership roles such as mentoring new teachers, department head, and team lead. One year, my assistant principal said, “The next time you get bored, go get your masters and become a principal.” I never really thought about the next step until he gave me that advice. The next year, I enrolled into the University of Texas at Arlington’s online program for Educational Leadership. While taking care of my two little children at home, I worked full time and completed my master’s program. Upon completion, I accepted a job as an assistant principal with Life School Lancaster Elementary. I served as an assistant principal for three years in a kindergarten-6th-grade campus and then received a principal position with Life School Cedar Hill Elementary. I have now been principal on that campus for two years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I definitely had my share of struggles through this journey. Once I was no longer playing softball, I had to pay for my own college. I did not want to go into debt, so I took classes as I could. I never stopped going, but I would take smaller class loads and summer classes. I graduated free of student loans on my undergrad and master’s degrees.
When I became a principal, I just knew that I needed to care about my staff, students, and parents. That first year we had five students that lost a parent along with many personal staff struggles. I knew I could not do anything to take away the pain, but I could love and support them as people. In return, we became a team and supported each other through the loss of a baby and husband, teenage dramas, divorces, and just the everyday struggles of working with children. Being a leader means you take on others’ burdens.
I have learned in my leadership roles, that the key to being a strong leader is to be confident in your abilities. You were chosen for the role of a quality you possess. Someone chose you, so be you. I would advise young women to find a strong mentor in their field, someone you trust to speak honestly. We all need that person to help us grow. Leading others is never easy. You have to be reflective and have a support system around you.
Please tell us about Organization/Life School Cedar Hill.
I am a principal at Life School Cedar Hill. I work with students, staff, and parents in areas of academics and discipline. I think I am known for my open door policy. I believe I am here to serve others, so I try to be available for all of my stakeholders. I love the children and want a school to be a fun place that challenges them academically. I want my teachers to be the “beacon of light” for so many children that may not have that support at home. My favorite time of the day is when we recognize our students for positive referrals. We celebrate when our students are doing the right thing. What sets Life School apart from other schools is our mission. My students and staff know our mission statement – to train leaders by establishing strong academics, character training while partnering with parents. We love to have parents on our campus to help support the work we do at school.
My love of people is what sets me apart from others. I believe every person has value regardless of position or background.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My number one piece of advice is to prepare now for the job you want. Don’t wait for the job to come available and then read that book, take that class, or get that degree. Do it now! If it is important to you, you will find a way to make it happen. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Even if it is not available now, it may open up eyes for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifeschools.net/
- Phone: 972-293-2825
- Email: candace.johnson@lifeschools.net
- Twitter: @lifecedarhill
Image Credit:
Life Schools
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