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Each week, Education World profiles a different school principal. His or her responses offer insight into what it takes to be a principal, what a principal's day is like, and the special challenges a principal faces.

 

Principal Profile: All About Laura Browning Crochet

 

Image Your school:
Genesis Alternative High School, an alternative 9 to 12 school in Houma, Louisiana (200 students).

Number of years in that position:
Four years.

Your education experience:
16 years in the classroom, three years as a private school administrator, and six years as a public school administrator.

What's the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?
At 6:15 a.m. I start answering the ringing phone. Each day I start with a specific task or meeting.

What is the biggest challenge you will face this school year?
The biggest challenge is to continue to return academic integrity to an alternative school.

What is your education mantra?
"Nothing is written in stone."

If you have one of those days when you don't think you can face the job again, what is it that gets you out the door and off to work the next morning?
I know that the kids will worry about me if I'm not there. They have to know that we all have days like that, and that we must get up again and move forward.

Who or what most influenced your decision to become an educator?
My mother, an educator with a passion for learning, taught for 60 years.

What does your work contribute to society?
I contribute hope on behalf of at-risk students.

What do you do to relieve stress?
I laugh.

What is the most important quality of a strong school leader?
In one word, resiliency.

If you could have a different career, what would that be?
An attorney.

If you're having a good day at work, what makes it good?
Seeing honest, open engagement on the part of students and teachers. Seeing both groups learn from each other is an amazing gift.