By Kiara Cain
This semester, former English teacher Natalie Dalton took on the new role of Assistant Principal.
Dalton started her masters degree with the goal of working higher up in administration.
“I started my masters in 2007, so I’ve been trying to get to this point for a long time,” Dalton said.
She spent 15 years teaching but pursued a role as assistant principal to have a larger impact and to support students in need. However the switch from being in a classroom to in an office does come with some challenges.
“There’s just never enough time to spend on one task,” Dalton said.
As assistant principal Dalton has had to take on new responsibilities such as overseeing spirit groups, clubs, organizations, supporting teachers in instruction, WorkKeys testing, and many more.
Upon the switch, her classes were reassigned. Mrs. Kristen Hickman took over Dalton’s senior English classes while Mrs. Kya Warren took over the English II Honors classes. Hickman’sclasses were moved to be taught by Mrs. Robin McDowell.
Luckily, Hickman had time to prepare for teaching new students and creating new material.
“It was brought to my attention back in December when the process began for the changes. I was very excited to be chosen to take over her classes and I was so happy for my colleague and her promotion,” said Hickman.
Despite having the challenge of working with so many new students and learning their personalities, Hickman has enjoyed the new opportunity.
“It has been very exciting to work with new students. I’m excited to learn from them and to help them graduate,” Hickman said.
For students who once knew Dalton as their English teacher, seeing her as assistant principal brings a comforting sense to her new role.
Her former students know her and know they will be able to count on her as one of their school’s new leaders.
With other changes in administrative roles (Marita Hunt moving to discipline and Bryant Sepulvado transitioning to become the new principal), seeing a familiar face in the office helps this adjustment.
“Change can be scary sometimes, but it can also be a good thing!” Hickman said.