Highlighting an OAESA Hero

m e e t h e r i n t h e middle

a conversation with OAESA Middle School Board Representative

Carrie Sanchez

by Mary Mitton-Sanchez

Over 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.

“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.”

Knowing this, Sanchez has made it her goal to be an advocate for her passion: middle school.

“I would like to have a part in strengthening the middle-level voice for OAESA, because it is such a critically important time for 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.

After 13 years as a teacher, Sanchez moved into administration. She is in her tenth year as principal in Port Clinton City Schools.

“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.

“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.”

The community also embodies that mindset: “We really care for the individual child’s needs, and we try not to back ourselves into a corner with policies,” Sanchez said. “If a family or kid needs something, we work to make that happen and it’s really neat to help people. We have such a small, strong community.”

Sanchez views her role as principal as one of creative problem solving.

“My most important contribution to my school is removing barriers and solving problems,” Sanchez. “If there’s something getting in the way of teaching and learning, it’s my job to remedy that and make sure everyone is learning.”

She aims to be passionate, fair, and compassionate as she and her staff work to create a positive learning environment for their students.

“I refer to my staff as the dream team,” Sanchez said. “They are incredible. It doesn’t matter what role people are playing, everyone is an expert at what they do. We have hosted lots of visiting schools, so if anyone is interested in visiting they are more than welcome!”

As Sanchez considers this year’s OAESA annual professional conference theme, The Magic of Why: Stories of Purpose, she thinks back to her why—why she loves learning so much that she became an educator, and eventually, a principal.

“I wasn’t as motivated as a student as I am as an administrator,” Sanchez said. “It took a really phenomenal teacher to help me get bitten by the academic bug. My AP English teacher in high school was a game changer for me!”

Eventually, she took that educator influence and love of learning and turned it into a career: “I became an educator because my greatest joy and passion came from when I learned about performing when I was a student. I wanted to give that to kids.”

Once she felt established as an educator, her passion changed.

“As I progressed, leading teachers became an even bigger passion,” Sanchez said. “I wanted to be able to advocate for teachers and provide them an awesome place to do their craft. The more teachers I can help, the more kids, families, etc. We can do better for teachers, and we have to be on their side to help.”

After 23 years in education, Sanchez knows the work isn’t for the faint of heart—or spirit.

“You have to make sure your heart is there to care for everyone under your watch,” Sanchez said. “If you feel that way and you’re thinking about administration, get to know as many administrators as possible, in as many different buildings as you can to broaden your perspective.”

While working in education has its challenges, it has proved to be worth it.

“It is the toughest job I’ve ever had, and it’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done,” Sanchez said. “I’m honored to serve our school & community.”

“I would like to have a part in strengthening the middle-level voice for OAESA, because it is such a critically important time for students and families.”

Highlighting an OAESA Hero!

THE BASICS

FAMILY MEMBERS? Daughters Mia (8th grade) and Ashton (6th grade) attend Carrie’s school, Port Clinton Middle School

PETS? A yellow lab mix named #Hashtag

YEARS IN THE CLASSROOM? YEARS IN ADMINISTRATION? 13 in the classroom, 10 as a principal

EMERGENCY DESK FOOD? Peanuts & Diet Mountain Dew

PERSONAL MANTRA? “Live Your Dash” from the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis regarding the dates on one’s tombstone.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE? Working to combat people’s assumptions or preconceived notions, rather than discussing something with an open mind.

FAVORITE DOWNTIME ACTIVITIES? Running, road cycling, music, teaching private music lessons, directing my church choir

UP NEXT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? Zip lining with my daughters

FAVORITE OAESA EVENT? Professional Conference