Name: Andy Gutierrez

Title: Principal

Organisation: Gateway Elementary School

I started my educational career as a crossing guard, lunch duty aide, and paraprofessional while going to school to be a teacher. During this time I also worked as a custodian at the school I was working at during the summer months.

Upon graduation, I worked at Christensen Elementary School as a 2nd grade teacher. I was then moved to Marshall School and taught grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. In 2005 I moved to Phoenix to become an assistant principal at Larry C. Kennedy, where I then was assigned the principal position.

After 5 years as a principal, I was moved to Gateway to become a turn-around principal, where I am still currently working as the principal. I have also worked with my state association as the president of the elementary division and currently, I am the National Association of Elementary School Principals Arizona Representative.

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

I hope Andy'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 part of being a leader has to be post-COVID. This time was challenging as students were required to be on technology devices for extended periods of time which we know is not good for students and attention spans. On top of this students didn’t have opportunities to socialize with one another. The mental health of students and staff has been extremely challenging to deal with. Finally, the learning loss that occurred during COVID-19 has been challenging to overcome.

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

I chose to become an educational leader as my uncle Joe Gutierrez principal at Killip Elementary in Flagstaff was a role model that I always looked up to. It was also shared with me that if and when you do well in the classroom and can positively impact 30 students then as a principal you have the ability to positively impact 500 plus students and 100 adults, this is why I chose to become an educational leader.

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

I wake up each morning around 6 am as I like to be to work early. I walk around and check the campus and check emails to see who is out that day and come up with coverage plans. I then go outside to greet students as they are entering campus. After this, I spend my day going into classrooms and meeting with staff, parents, and community members.

I try to be visible during lunches and recess and use this as an opportunity to build relationships with students. Before I leave for the day I check my email and complete any tasks that need to be completed. Once I get home I eat with my family, take my daughter to dance practice and either work or take time with my spouse, pick up my daughter from dance, and usually try to go to bed by 10 pm.

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

A lesson that I try to remember is to “work on the systems, not in the systems”, this is challenging for me as I like to be busy. But I also know that I can use my talents and expertise elsewhere if I am not working in the systems.

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?

Jim Collins's book "Good to Great" is a great read. Something I have taken from this book and continue to use is not only picking the right people for your bus but also placing them in the right seats on the bus. Where I have used this the most is with staff hiring, sometimes you hire someone for a primary grade position, however, after working with them you decide they would be a better fit in an intermediate grade.

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?

The best piece of advice is to make sure you have a good work-life balance. This is critical as the job has changed dramatically over the years. You need to make sure you are taking the time to be a good leader, use time wisely ensuring you are in classrooms as much as possible, but use time to complete work while in challenging classrooms. This will allow you time at night and weekends for the life balance.

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

A meaningful story that I have as an educational leader is being asked to turn around a school and move a school from a D to a B in two years. This was done by working to change the climate and culture of the school. Student behavior was a challenge and teacher morale was low. We worked as a team to put systems in place to improve behavior. Seeing the hard work and dedication of the staff and students made this challenge worth the investment!