Name: Christina Meister

Title: Principal

Organisation: Rogers School District

My name is Christina Meister, and I am honored to serve as the principal of Grace Hill Elementary in Rogers, Arkansas, a role I have held for the past six years. During my tenure, Grace Hill Elementary has been recognized for two consecutive years as a School on the Move Towards Excellence and has twice received growth funding for ranking in the top 10% for academic growth. I am deeply passionate about advocating for traditionally underserved and under-resourced students. I firmly believe that all students can achieve at high levels when provided with the right instruction and support.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

One of the most challenging aspects of my role has been navigating the ever-evolving landscape of legislative laws and policies that directly impact student learning. As education continues to be a focal point of political discourse, shifting mandates and policy changes require constant adaptation to ensure compliance while maintaining a student-centered approach. In today’s increasingly polarized climate, discussions surrounding education can become divisive, often overshadowing the fundamental goal of our work—providing the best possible opportunities for student success. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to advocating for policies and practices that prioritize student growth, equity, and academic excellence.

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

In my second or third year of teaching, my principal approached me and asked if I had ever considered a career in administration. At the time, I had not. However, several colleagues at my school were enrolled in a master’s program in educational leadership and encouraged me to join them. I decided to pursue the program, believing it would be some time before I was ready to transition out of the classroom. However, upon completing the two-year program, I interviewed for my first assistant principal position—and at just 28 years old, I was offered the job.

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

I typically set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. to ensure I have time to take my oldest daughter to school before heading to my own building. I usually arrive at school between 7:00 and 7:15 a.m. and begin my day by greeting students and teachers before attending my first collaborative team meeting with a grade level at 7:30 a.m. I rely on Google Calendar to structure my day, blocking time for teaching small groups, participating in collaborative team meetings, and visiting classrooms. The remainder of my schedule is dedicated to communicating with parents, addressing discipline matters, responding to emails, and completing administrative tasks. I typically leave the building between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., although I set aside one or two evenings a week to stay later as needed. Maintaining a healthy balance between work and family is a priority for me, and I strive to model this for my teachers. I believe it is essential for school leaders to demonstrate the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being.

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

A valuable lesson I have been reminded of recently as an educational leader is not to let tomorrow’s worries overshadow today’s priorities. A dear friend and colleague has often shared this wisdom with me, and it has resonated deeply. With so many responsibilities to juggle, it is easy to become consumed by “what-ifs” rather than focusing on the present. This reminder has been invaluable, and I strive to embrace it in both my personal and professional life, ensuring that I remain present, focused, and effective in each moment.

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?

Starting a Movement by Kenneth C. Williams was a transformative read for me as a leader, particularly during my early years as a principal. This book helped me develop a clear and compelling why for change within my school while honoring its history and traditions. It provided a framework for both short-term progress and long-term success, offering a roadmap to guide my staff through the necessary steps to transform our school.

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?

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young educator aspiring to become an educational leader, it would be to always keep the main thing the main thing. With the constant influx of new initiatives, programs, and strategies, it can be easy to get distracted. However, at the core of every decision should be a relentless focus on student learning. When you prioritize what truly matters, you have the power to create meaningful change and drive success.

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

One meaningful experience from my time as an educational leader involves a teacher I met early in my career (for privacy, we'll refer to her as Mrs. Parker). Mrs. Parker was a new teacher with an incredible passion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students. During my first year as an administrator, I made it a priority to spend time in classrooms and provide feedback to teachers. Mrs. Parker eagerly sought out this feedback, eager to improve and grow in her practice. Fast forward three years, and Mrs. Parker was named our Educator of the Year. During her recognition, she shared how invaluable having a supportive coach, mentor, and constructive feedback—blending positive reinforcement with areas for growth—was to her development as an educator. This story is meaningful to me because it highlights the profound impact we, as leaders, have on the growth of teachers, who in turn, influence student achievement.