While teachers Paula Sewell and Allison Gottfried will receive a break from the classroom to catch up on lesson planning, grading and curriculum, Principal Edward Tate Jr. will serve as their substitute teacher for the day. Tate reflected that he can sometimes forget he was once a teacher as well, as being a principal often unintentionally creates distance from the classroom, which inspired the project.

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we principals were once teachers too,” Tate said. “Rolling up my sleeves and engaging with students again is my way of showing that teaching is still at the heart of what I do.”

This idea has been on his mind since the summer, tied to his continued focus on staff morale and teacher retention.

Tate believes that success in the classroom is based on giving clear directions and keeping students engaged, rather than relying on heavy lectures instead of hands-on lessons. Still, he recognizes the challenge of balancing his role as principal while sacrificing a full day to teaching.

“Time will be the biggest challenge,” Tate said, adding that he will likely have to complete his principal work in the evening to make it possible to finish.

Though he has not yet received his substitute lesson plans, what he is most looking forward to is the chance to connect with students.

“Just being with the kids and looking through a teacher’s eyes again is what I’m looking forward to most,” he said.

As a whole, Tate hopes the experience serves as a reminder to his staff and fellow administrators that they are not alone in their work. By stepping into the classroom, he wants to support the importance of teaching at any level.