Name: Barbara Bracco

Title: Elementary Principal

Organisation: Cliffside Park Board of Education

Together with my husband, we bring a combined total of 72 years of experience in the education field. My own journey into leadership was not something I initially planned. Prior to entering education, I worked in the financial district, specializing in research on obsolete securities. However, my passion for early childhood education led me to transition into teaching, and 25 years ago, I began my career as a preschool teacher—a role that brought me great fulfillment.

After 16 years in the classroom, I sought out opportunities to expand my impact and transitioned into a district elementary supervisor position. In this role, I was able to support staff in meeting the diverse needs of their students, which I found deeply rewarding. When the opportunity to become a principal presented itself, I embraced it as the next step in my career, offering me the chance to make a broader and more lasting impact on education. I find great fulfillment in going to work each day, knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a school principal, one of the most challenging aspects is ensuring that the diverse needs of all students are met. While academic achievement is a primary focus, I am particularly concerned with the social and emotional well-being of our students.

Factors such as financial instability, access to resources, and basic needs like food and clothing are crucial. I strive to ensure that we are addressing the full spectrum of student needs, as I believe this holistic approach is essential for student success.

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

My journey into leadership was not something I initially planned. Prior to being in education, I worked in the financial district. I began my teaching career 25 years ago as a preschool teacher, a role in which I found great fulfillment. Early childhood education has always been my passion.

After 16 years in the classroom, I sought out opportunities for greater leadership and transitioned into a district elementary supervisor role. This position allowed me to support staff in meeting the needs of their students, which I found deeply rewarding. When the opportunity to become a principal arose, I embraced it as the next step in my career, one that would allow me to make a broader impact in education.

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

My husband and I, both educators with 72 years of shared experience, begin our day at 5:00 AM. I start with a cup of coffee while reviewing staff absences to ensure adequate coverage for the day. I also check the calendar for any scheduled meetings with the Child Study Team, parents, or teacher evaluations. By 7:30 AM, I am at school, where I review staff absences again and address immediate concerns.

At 8:20 AM, I go outside to greet students and assist with their transition into the building. At 9:00 AM, I make morning announcements to the entire school, including reminders about events, birthdays, and a daily mindfulness practice to promote focus and kindness. While I begin each day with a plan, as is often the case in education, I remain flexible as unforeseen challenges arise.

My afternoons are often spent managing unexpected situations and catching up on tasks from earlier in the day. I am always working to ensure that both staff and students feel supported and that the overall school environment remains positive and productive. I typically do not leave work at 4:00 PM; my day often extends until at least 5:00 or 5:30 PM, at which time my husband picks me up.

We are fortunate to live and work within the same community, which offers certain conveniences. After work, I head home, enjoy dinner, engage in some reading, and make it a point to go to bed early. The days pass quickly, and the nights always seem too short.

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

A recent lesson that has been reinforced is the critical importance of staff morale and support. As an administrator, providing staff with the training and resources they need is essential for achieving our goals. I have been fortunate to work with a dedicated and exceptional team, many of whom have navigated the challenges of the pandemic. During that time, maintaining strong communication and providing ongoing support were vital to ensuring the well-being of our staff and students.

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?

The book Lead Like a Pirate by Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf has had a profound impact on my leadership. Although it may not be the most current resource, the practical strategies and actionable insights shared by the authors—both experienced educators and leaders—remain highly relevant today.

The book has served as a valuable reminder to consistently reflect on my leadership practices, assess what is effective, and identify areas for improvement. It has reinforced my dedication to creating an environment where both staff and students are inspired and energized by their educational experiences. By prioritizing a positive school climate and culture, I aim to cultivate a thriving community where everyone can succeed.

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?

My advice to a young leader would be to embrace the inevitability of mistakes as part of the growth process. Confidence is built through experience, and it’s important to seek support from your administration when needed. While you may not have all the answers, making informed decisions and continuously improving your leadership skills will help you develop into the best leader you can be.