Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Heinig.
Hi Lindsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be an educator- as a child, I would set up school for my stuffed animals and was always the first hand up to be a helper in the classroom. I went to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, to study both Art Education and Fine Arts. It was a unique experience where I was able to train in the subject I wanted to teach and build my knowledge of history, hands-on techniques as well as the basics of education.
After graduation, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I worked odd jobs, teaching after-school classes, and subbing until I found a job as an Elementary art teacher in the Portland Public Schools. This was both rewarding and stressful because I loved being in the classroom but working in a large school district with a strong union meant I didn’t know if I would be able to keep my job if someone with more seniority ended up wanting it (if their job was cut or their hours went down they could look at new hire’s jobs and replace them). Sure enough, this happened to me twice, and when we left Portland to come to Utah, I had a bad taste in my mouth for the traditional public education system. I felt like a number in a long line of people who did not really matter.
When I interviewed at the public charter school Monticello Academy in 2011, I knew it would be different- they valued the arts and each employee was seen as a person. I was suddenly one of 60 instead of 1 of 8,000.
I loved it. The high academic and behavior expectations, diverse community, and well-rounded liberal arts curriculum spoke to me! I knew I had found a place I could stay.
I was an art teacher at Monticello until 2017, when the new school Director offered me a position as the Assistant Director of Elementary Education.
I loved being in administration and learning how to implement changes for the better of all of the kids in our school- I was able to learn how to use data to drive instruction and support every child, how to coach and guide teachers, and how the state laws and policies shape everything we do. It was almost easy to move into the position of Director (principal) in 2021.
I worked on getting my Master of Science in Educational Leadership and have been an advocate for the arts, language learners, and school choice for almost 15 years no,w and am incredibly happy I found this space where I know I make a difference every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No!
I have had to have the absolute biggest growth mindset and never be afraid to ask questions or be wrong.
As an administrator, there are issues I have faced that I could NEVER be prepared for (finding a turtle in a locker was one of my favorites…) and have to be able to stay calm, focused, and solution-oriented. I am also always handling things where the other person doesn’t share my ideals, priorities or mindset, and that has been a skill.
Leading during COVID was also a challenge- we had to make decisions for our community that we were not at all prepared for, but I was proud of my team and how we handled everything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have tried to build relationships with community partners like One Kind Act a Day in Salt Lake City. We worked with them to build their “Schools of Kindness” recognition program, and we were the first school in Utah to earn that designation. First lady of Utah, Abby Cox, came and presented us with our certificate! It was a memorable day for us.
They also recognized me with their “One of a Kind” award for the work I do to spread kindness in my community. I am incredibly proud of this and try to live up to the honor each day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My mentor and boss, Dane Roberts, saw something in me back in 2011 and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime- even though I was not interested in administration, he convinced me that it would be a great change for the school. I am forever grateful to him for insisting I try this job out.
