Thornapple Kellogg — An experienced elementary educator, Sara Jewett is excited to take on a new leadership role at Lee Elementary.
“We have top notch teachers here,” she said. “Every teacher in this building is here for the kids and we really individualize support and learning for each grade level.”
Jewett said she has loved getting to know her students during the day, especially in the lunch room.
“Lunch is when I see all their authentic personalities that come out when you just sit down and talk to them,” she said.
SNN gets to know Jewett better in this edition of Meet Your Administrator.
Other positions held in education: Jewett said when she started her education career it was tough to find a job, so she was thankful to have one right out of college. During her 15 years at Otsego Public Schools, Jewett taught fifth and first grade and served as a Title 1 teacher/instructional coach and a K-5 instructional coach. A year ago, she decided to work toward an administrator certification, which opened the door to leadership opportunities in TK schools.
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Grand Valley State University
- Master’s degree in education technology, Grand Valley State University
- Administrator certification
Why did you want to become an administrator? Pursuing the role of principal was a “new challenge and a change,” Jewett said. Her mentor had asked her earlier in her teaching career if she ever thought about eventually becoming a principal, so the idea stayed in the back of her mind.
“I’ve always wanted to take on a leadership role, and the timing felt right. I’ve had all these different roles to see the whole (gamut) and see different perspectives.”
What drew you to this district/building? Jewett said she loved her job in Otsego, so she was “picky and strategic” about any future transitions. When she interviewed for the principal opening at Lee, Jewett said she got a “good feeling” about the district.
“The administration team I interviewed with was a good team, and the second interview was with the staff. It felt like they were a real team, and had that family feel.”
What would you like to share about your family? Jewett and her husband, Jake, met in Otsego, where they both taught at the time. He still teaches middle school social studies in Otsego, where their three children, Hannah, Jane and Connor, also attend school.
“We’re a super busy family, managing multiple different sports and practices. We like to go camping in our new camper, and spent the majority of our summer at the beach. We love to vacation together and are always up for an adventure.”
Describe your leadership style in seven words or less: “‘Servant leadership.’ It’s kind of cliche, but so true. Servant leadership is making sure students and teachers’ needs are met and that everybody is feeling comfortable and confident. Support is huge, and it’s important to work as a team. I’m not going to make decisions on my own, and I try to poke all the holes in (decisions) to see it from all perspectives.”
Dog person or cat person? “I am a dog person. My husband and I used to have a golden retriever and I think in retirement, we’ll have golden retrievers again.”
What book, movie, TV show or podcast have you loved lately? “One of my favorite books is ‘An Awesome Book’ by Dallas Clayton. It’s for every age. He writes books for kids, but they have good messages for adults, too.”
What is your favorite food? “Rice! My family makes fun of me for how much I love it. I like all kinds of rice, and tacos are my favorite meal.”
What is one thing on your bucket list? “I want to travel and see the world. My ultimate trip would be to go to Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia.”
Read more from Thornapple Kellogg:
• Bringing a ‘mentor mentality’ to the district’s top job
• First-day sunrise inspires seniors’ final year of learning
