RUSSELLVILLE - As Tina Kauffman prepares for another year at Russellville Elementary and Middle schools, it is as principal instead of librarian.
But, the title change won't change how she operates, she said.
"My goals are still the same," Kauffman said.
They are to support teachers and make decisions in the best interests of students, she said.
Growing up and graduating in Russellville, she has lived here all her life. After earning her elementary education degree from Lincoln University, she returned as teacher.
"This is where I belong," she said. "I love the families, the kids, the teachers and staff; it just feels like home."
She taught kindergarten from 2000 until 2009, when she became librarian.
"The best part of my job from classroom to librarian to principal is watching them grow from kindergarten through eighth grade," Kauffman said. "It's neat watching the progress, to see what we're capable of."
Kauffman became librarian to share her passion for reading. As principal, she intends to continue passing that on to students.
"I knew I wanted to be an administrator," said Kauffman, who earned her master's degree from William Woods University. "I was just waiting for the right time."
Her youngest child starts kindergarten this school year. And her daughters are in middle school and high school.
"This is a good fit for my kids," she said.
As librarian, Kauffman sometimes would fill in in the absence of an administrator, which has given her some insight, she said.
Building relationships with the students is her top role, she said. She will look at each student as a parent would, she said.
This summer, she has been reading up on issues, including the new dyslexia legislation. And she do training on budget and managing federal funds, like Title I.
In addition, previous administrators have offered to mentor her, as needed, she said.
What may be the most daunting aspect of her new position - teacher evaluations. She's going from peer to administrator.
"I view the process as a true growth model instead of disciplinary," she said.
This school year, Kauffman also will be looking at aligning curriculum with the Missouri Learning Standards.
And she hopes to implement more positive reinforcement programs.
"We'll celebrate what they do well," Kauffman said.