Laura Fiedler

Frey Elementary School Principal

What are your main responsibilities?

My main focus as a principal will always be on the students, and every decision we make as a staff will be in the students’ best interest. The academic progress and well-being of each child is essential, and we will work together to meet all the needs of our students. In addition, I will work to build strong, positive relationships with my staff, students, families and community to promote an inviting school culture and to ensure student success.

Why did you want to be principal?

When I was appointed to the position of principal on May 18, 2023, I was excited to learn I would be close to the community where my family and I reside. Being a principal is a rewarding and fulfilling role, and I look forward to working with the students and families. The Frey community has been extremely welcoming, and it is evident the staff and teachers are committed to encouraging the students to be academically successful while also working with them to be involved in extracurricular activities.

What is your background?

I grew up in Cobb County and attended Due West Elementary, Pine Mountain Middle and Harrison High schools. After high school, I attended Georgia Southern University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in education. Following Georgia Southern, I attended Kennesaw State University for my master’s in early childhood education, and then I pursued my specialist in leadership degree at Georgia State University. This will be my 24th year working in the Cobb County School District. I taught first, second and fourth grades at Varner, Kemp and Ford elementary schools, and I was assistant principal at Kemp and Still Elementary before my principalship at Sanders Elementary. I was principal at Sanders for six years before being named principal at Frey. I feel I have gained a wealth of knowledge over the years, and I am thankful for the different experiences I have had within our district.

Why do you like being an educator?

The best part of my day is seeing the students get out of the car or off the bus in the morning and eager to come into school with a huge smile on their faces. It makes my day to greet the students at the door every morning and welcome them to school. As an educator, I have the opportunity to inspire, motivate and empower young minds, and my hope is to continue to shape the knowledge, values and skills of our students. My goal is to continue to be a positive role model and dedicated leader for my students and staff and encourage them to strive for excellence every day.

What has been the biggest job surprise?

The biggest — and most rewarding — surprise for me during my education career is the time I have spent over the years building relationships with my students, staff and families. I didn’t realize how important the skill of “listening” was and how this makes a difference when meeting with all within a school. Building positive relationships is a strength of mine, and I have learned that throughout my career in education, a lot of this comes from being an active listener and sincerely caring about all who you work with each day. I have my personal family at home, but I also consider my school my family as well. This is one of my favorite quotes as a leader: “To say that a person feels listened to means a lot more than just their ideas get heard. It’s a sign of respect. It makes people feel valued.” — Deborah Tannen

What excites you about Frey’s future?

Frey Elementary School is known for its dedication to providing quality education and a supportive learning environment for its students. There are several aspects that may excite me about Frey’s future. I am enthusiastic to carry on Frey’s mission of Embrace, Encourage and Empower as we encourage students to reach their full potential. I am looking forward to the partnerships within the community, as Frey is known for its strong and supportive community involvement. In addition, I am excited to work with such a dedicated and passionate group of educators as we all work together as a team to ensure our students are successful.

What are your goals?

I strive to set goals for my personal and professional development, and I consistently work to ensure these goals are specific and attainable. My personal goals are to continue balancing my work/family as a principal and a mother. I am a firm believer that in order to be successful in our careers, we must take care of ourselves and our families first. I will work to continue organizing and prioritizing my daily tasks at home and within the workplace, so I am successful and effective as a mother, wife and principal. My professional goal is to pursue my doctorate in educational leadership/administration. As a principal, earning this degree will provide me with advanced knowledge and skills in educational policy, research and leadership. This goal demonstrates my commitment to my personal growth, professional development and desire to enhance my effectiveness as a school leader.

Tell us about your family and hobbies.

My family and I reside in Kennesaw, and my husband, Lloyd, and I just celebrated 19 years of marriage. We have one daughter, Abigail (Abby), who is 8 and in third grade. We also have a little Yorkshire terrier named Zoe. We love to travel as a family, spend time with our friends and support Abby in one of her many activities. You can find us at the softball park with Abby, the dance studio, playing tennis or any other outdoor activity. We love the beach and frequently visit Charleston, South Carolina. We also are Clemson Tiger fans and enjoy attending football games, as well as other sporting events, at Clemson!