Meghann
Young
November 28, 2007 a day that I will forever remember. It was on this day that I was presented with a life changing opportunity. After four years of working for the largest privately owned security distribution company in the United States I was offered a promotion to Regional Head of Sales and Operations in the New England area; I would be responsible for managing a $5,000,000 a year business. Knowing that only four years ago I had been hired as an administrative assistant the promotion was a tremendous honor. The only dilemma was that my heart was set on returning to a career in education. I was left with making the decision of continuing with my career in business and
8 YEARS IN ADMINISTRATION
9 Years in the classroom
4.5 years in corporate leadership
doubling my salary or following my passion and taking a 57% pay cut. After a long weekend my decision had been made. I would continue with the Educational Leadership Development Academy at the University of San Diego that I had been accepted to in the hopes of one day fulfilling my desire to be a school administrator. I knew from the moment I declined the CEO's offer that I had made the right decision.
Since that day in 2007 I have been fortunate enough to join a team of extraordinary teachers who opened the first ever elementary school in the High Tech High network. I learned first hand from progressive educators such as Ron Berger, Alfie Kohn and Larry Rosenstock that a student's voice and choice are essential elements in education. After three rewarding years with High Tech Elementary I made the decision to move into administration.
I spent two years as a part of a dynamic team of educators at King-Chavez Academy of Excellence (KCAE) in Barrio Logan, a culturally rich neighborhood in San Diego. Students at KCAE are primarily Hispanic and over 75% are second language learners. 100% of students receive free breakfast and lunch. Despite economic challenges students and families unite around education and inspired me every day.
For three years, 2016 - 2019, I had the privilege of working in Wilmette, Illinois in District 39. District 39 strives for excellence in education for many reasons, one of them being that when students leave D39 they attend New Trier High School, which has been recognized as a top High School in the United States. As an Assistant Principal in D39 I had the honor of working alongside talented teachers and staff who strive to design innovative and enriching curriculum for their students.
After three years in Illinois, following my husband's Naval career, my family and I returned home to my native sunny San Diego. I am currently the Principal of Ira Harbison Elementary in National City. I serve a warm, inviting and loving community of students, staff and families.
My commitment to providing exemplary education to all students is what drives me to get up everyday and arrive at school with a smile on my face. I was raised by parents who are just as committed to social justice and giving back to their community as I am. My mother is a life-long educator, and one of my favorite years teaching was when I taught kindergarten in the classroom next door to her. My father has always been my biggest cheerleader and, who along with my mother, raised me to see the positive in any situation. My husband and I are committed raising our two young children to have the same passion for education that we both have. My background along with my daily positive experiences as a school leader propels me towards every challenge with confidence and excitation.