Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Goodman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Courtney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m an elementary school principal by way of a few years working in marketing and a few more years of teaching middle school students. I moved to Chicago after earning a degree in journalism with ideas of writing. I worked for Chicago magazine for a few years on the business side in marketing. During that time, I started taking some classes at DePaul University and realized while I enjoyed writing, I really enjoyed helping others more. I earned a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, completed my student teaching at Whitney Young Magnet High School, and set off to find a job. I worked in a few different schools within the city – both public and private – before settling into my current district in Skokie.
There, I taught seventh English language arts for about six years. Skokie is such a unique spot, filled with families from all over the globe, speaking so many different languages, celebrating so many different religions and holidays. This diversity is part of what has kept me working here in Skokie. While teaching, like many teachers, I decided I should continue my coursework towards some other degree. I earned a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Then I had my first baby, so I kept teaching, as the thought of balancing being a building administrator and raising a baby was too daunting. After two years, though, the assistant principal position at my school opened up and I was hired. I love helping to lead a school that focuses on providing a safe place for kids to learn and grow.
Has it been a smooth road?
I am 38 years old. I have two kids of my own – a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. I am the principal of a school with approximately 550 students and 70 staff members. I love my work, but it is a constant balancing act. And not a balancing act in that I’m searching to have everything balanced perfectly because I don’t think that’s realistic – just like the old adage about “having it all”. I don’t think that’s an approach that young women should strive to achieve. When I talk about balance, it means that sometimes I work late and don’t see my kids. And other days I leave my long to-do list untouched and spend time with my kids and husband. I’m proud to be a leader and a young one at that. I’m proud to show my own children what it means to work hard and be dedicated to your work.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am the principal of Middleton Elementary School. The school is in Skokie, Illinois. We have approximately 550 students in grades 1-5. Our school is diverse with students who speak a number of different languages.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
As a first-year principal, I have an assigned mentor through the Illinois State Board of Education. She’s a retired principal, so she’s walked in my shoes over and over again. She’s been an unbelievable resource and source of support. I also use Twitter to connect with other principals from around the country. I recently read a post about advice to help educators as teaching can be isolating. Some of the responses noted that isolation is a choice and that if you want to connect with others, you’ll reach out to them. I am also a member of several professional organizations so that I can connect with other administrators in person. In addition to my mentor, Twitter connections, and professional organizations, I’m a part of an administrative team. I look to my colleagues for advice, support, and guidance – some of whom have been doing this job for decades. Working alongside other working mothers and strong women has certainly helped me shape my leadership views and outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: sd735.org
- Phone: 847-673-1222
- Email: cgoodman@sd735.org
- Twitter: @MrsGoodmanSD735
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