Celebrating National Principals Month: Ann Driver of Woodstock ES!

October is National Principals Month! Our Principals are amazing instructional leaders dedicated to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  We’re recognizing these inspiring leaders with special posts throughout the month. Please join us in thanking them for all they do to support our mission of being the highest performing school district in Georgia.

Woodstock Elementary School Principal Ann Driver

Why did you want to become a teacher?
From the time my children were in school, I was deeply involved as a volunteer and served on the PTA Board.  The Principal, seeing me almost every day, once said, “You know you could get paid to be here every day.”  Teaching had always been a dream of mine since childhood.  My grandmother would buy teaching materials at yard sales, and I would teach with all my heart.  Teaching offers the perfect opportunity to share a love of learning and inspire curiosity in others.

Who was the most influential teacher in your life?
The most influential teacher in my life was Ms. Anderson, my second-grade teacher.  She had a magical way of encouraging curiosity and challenging every student.  One day, she told me, “You are so smart.”  That simple affirmation gave me the motivation to become a lifelong learner.

What’s a favorite memory from your first year as a teacher?
A favorite memory from my first year of teaching involves two students with special needs who were often alone on the playground.  I bought binoculars, a backpack, and an "All About Birds" book and appointed them leaders of the Bird Watching Club at recess.  Within days, word spread, and they became the most popular kids on the playground.

How did teaching prepare you to be a Principal?
Teaching prepared me to become a Principal by teaching me that education is about so much more than curriculum.  It is heart work, and every decision must be made with the student’s best interests at the center.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankAPrincipal