me et her i n th e
middle
a conversation with OAESA Middle School Board Representative
Carrie Sanchez O
8
principal navigator
by Mary Mitton-Sanchez
ver the last two years, Carrie Sanchez had the chance to travel across the country and overseas with other educators after her school was named a National School to Watch.
students and families,” Sanchez said. “That is my overarching goal for middle level educators who are working so hard for our students every day in such a crucial, transitional time.”
Sanchez, principal of Port Clinton Middle School for the last decade, felt inspired by her opportunity to collaborate with so many other educators who were doing great things. It was a life-changing experience for Sanchez, and it prompted her to get more involved in her state association, OAESA.
Sanchez grew up in Toledo and went to Ohio Northern University as a music education major. She worked for three years at Hardin Northern Schools as the K-12 Music teacher, and then transitioned to Bellevue City Schools for the next decade.
“My experiences made me want to have a voice in school leadership,” Sanchez said. “It’s my first year on the board as the middle level rep, and it’s wonderful to collaborate with people that I wouldn’t have otherwise had the pleasure to know. It’s amazing to see the influence that OAESA has on the state.”
After 13 years as a teacher, Sanchez moved into administration. She is in her tenth year as principal in Port Clinton City Schools.
Knowing this, Sanchez has made it her goal to be an advocate for her passion: middle school.
“Our staff is unbelievable, and they are always coming to me with ideas about how to improve, enhance, and modify things that we already do,” Sanchez said. “I love that when we welcome new families and students, they often say, I had no idea school could be like this.”
“I would like to have a part in strengthening the middle-level voice for OAESA, because it is such a critically important time for
“It is a very supportive district community: vibrant, dynamic, and kid-centered. It is an amazing school district,” Sanchez said. That mindset trickles down to her building.
