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10 Questions with Dr. Marsha Farney
As a counselor at Jarrell Middle School, DR. MARSHA FARNEY’S passion and professional background has always centered on education. She earned her BS and MS in education from Texas A&M and her PhD in curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas. Her professional background includes working as an award-winning classroom teacher, an elementary, middle, and high school counselor, and an adjunct university professor in the College of Education at Texas A&M training future teachers in commerce. She was also elected to and served as vice chair of the Curriculum Committee on the State Board of Education, focusing on math curriculum. She won numerous awards as a legislator in the Texas House of Representatives where she worked to strengthen and improve public education. Personally, she is blessed with three wonderful grown children, a fantastic son-in-law and daughter-in-law and three amazing grandchildren. Traveling is her hobby and her family likes to take trips together and see the world and explore different cultures. She says, “My precious family makes me smile daily as well as my wonderful colleagues and students at JMS!”
THE BEST LEADERS SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS by recognizing the accomplishments and value of their team members and encouraging them to explore potential areas for growth to lead/share with the team.
I DEFINE A GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS ONE THAT celebrates the successes of others and recognizes and encourages team efforts to meet organizational goals.
ONE THING I TRY TO DO EVERY DAY is actively seek to meet the needs of my students, parents, and colleagues.
I FEEL MOST ALIVE WHEN I am outside in nature.
TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS I place sticky notes around my workspace that remind me of what is needed from me that day.
I HANDLE NEGATIVITY BY trying to be supportive and explore solutions without being dismissive of the difficulty creating the negativity.
ONE THING THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME BUT I ENJOY is helping students struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts to make safe choices.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR HANDLING CHANGE IS to recognize change is a necessary part of growth and to embrace it rather than fight against it.
IN TEN YEARS I HOPE TO...continue to travel and spend time with my children and grandchildren.
I DEFINE SUCCESS AS making a positive difference in the lives of others, having contentment and peace while growing old gracefully and with joy.
