Name: Amie Bemke

Title: Principal

Organisation: Francis Howell School District

I am currently in my 26th year in education, serving in my 18th year as an educational leader. I began my career as a special education teacher, teaching students at the high school level and coaching a high school dance team for eight years. I transitioned to a special education administrator role for six years before moving into an assistant principal position.

I served as an assistant principal for 10 years before stepping into a principal position, in which I am in my second year. I received my Doctorate in the Fall of 2022 and am proud of accomplishing this particular lifelong goal. I enjoy spending time with my family (Husband and two children) and friends, reading, and watching Sci-Fi movies.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Amie's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

The most challenging aspect of leadership is truly meeting the needs of all stakeholders. When leading over 800 students and staff members (not including students’ families), it’s challenging to effectively meet the needs of every individual student, staff member, and family member. When reflecting, I have to remember to continuously ask questions, be a part of the work, and build impactful relationships to ensure I understand the community's needs and then deliver on those needs.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I’ve always enjoyed serving through leadership, initially as a high school and college student. I thought I was going to teach in the classroom my entire career, but a specific supervisor encouraged and supported me in pursuing leadership positions. She provided unique opportunities and feedback for growth, which, in time, resulted in making a decision to leave the classroom and step into an administration role. I’m not sure if I would have pursued educational leadership if it hadn’t been for this particular individual. I’m so thankful for their guidance and support.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My days are pretty much scheduled from the time I wake up until I go to sleep at night. I have specific goals I set for myself each day, with a determination to complete most of them based on various timelines. I am extremely organized and can multitask multiple activities at once. I thrive off of excelling at everything I do, and this is reflected in how I spend my time daily. It’s not often that I don’t have plans, and when I do have some free time, I’m checking off items from my “bucket list”. Life is too short, and I want to enjoy every moment!

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

A recent lesson I have been reminded of is that every individual responds to an interaction or incident in a different manner. As someone who interacts with hundreds of individuals on a daily basis, it’s an important reminder that individual experiences and personal perspectives impact how others respond, reflect and overall interpret information. While one individual may respond one way, another individual may respond in a totally different manner.

I typically remember that children will exhibit various responses, but at times, I can forget that adults will also respond in a different manner. I appreciate the reminder, as it helps me support those I interact with and ensure I am creating an environment and community where all stakeholders feel safe and respected at all times.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown has made the biggest impact on who I am as a leader and human being overall. I have read this book at least five times, and every time I read Dare to Lead, I leave with a new perspective or understanding of who I am as a human being. I believe in her work and the importance of clearly communicating with those we interact with, along with the significance of living into one’s values. Brene Brown’s work around integrity and being brave speaks to me in both my personal and professional life. I highly recommend Dare to Lead and will most likely read it again!

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Stay true to yourself as a leader. Lead with integrity, which at times can be challenging based on outside factors. Brene Brown has a quote that I live by: “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort”. Always make a decision based on what’s best for kids and staff, even when it’s tough.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

This is a tough question! I am currently in my 26th year in education and 18th year as an educational leader. I have been positively impacted by so many wonderful and genuine people: students, staff, and families. I can’t say one story comes to mind that stands out over the others. What I can share with you is that I have been honored to meet and build lifelong relationships with so many people that when I reflect upon my time in leadership, I can only smile about all of the people I have met.

I have been positively impacted by the colleagues who have into friends, watched former students grow into adults with their own families, and supported countless individuals in pursuing their dreams. I feel so blessed to have experienced so many wonderful moments in what feels like a short career.