Former CES assistant principal Shelby Costner shares her experience of becoming principal at BIS .
When Shelby Costner received the phone call that she would be taking the spot as principal of BIS , she was anything but worried . Her heart raced with excitement and her head filled with ideas . This was exactly what BIS needed . “ Since I became an educator , becoming a principal was always my goal ,” Costner said . “ When Dr . Hampton told me I got the job at BIS , I was so excited and a little shocked it was actually happening ! I truly felt so grateful and blessed to have the opportunity .”
This is only Costner ’ s second year at BISD , her first being assistant principal at CES . Prior to that , she served as assistant principal in Tyler ISD for four years and taught in Chapel Hill for five .
“ Compared to the previous districts I worked in , the biggest difference I see is the sense of community ,” Costner said . “ I have been blown away by the love , time , and support of the Brownsboro , Chandler area in my time as an administrator .”
However , the role as principal can bring a load of responsibility and stress .
“ I have to constantly stay on my toes , adapt , and make quick decisions throughout the day ,” Costner said . “ I would not say it has been easy , but I have had the privilege of working with some phenomenal leaders who have made the transition to principal much easier .”
One way BIS staff helps the transition to becoming an administrator on their campus is by creating connections within the staff . One example of this could be during in-service week when they went out for food and bowling .
“ It was a great opportunity for me to get to know the staff outside of the school setting ,” Costner said . “ Plus , we had so much fun and it is now one of my fondest memories .”
BIS has also shown welcoming with loving behavior to new staff such as Costner .
“ Since I introduced myself at BIS , they have welcomed me with open arms ,” Costner said . “ The staff shared with me from the beginning the importance of creating a culture of family at our campus . I feel like we are just that - a family .”
Connections with students are also a major key to the family culture at BIS . “ One way I connect with the students is by mingling with them during their lunch times or in the hallway between classes ,” Costner said . “ I also love to pop into classrooms and see what students are learning .”
Costner has also made an impact by expanding the learning aspect for students . For example , she increased and improved the daily intervention time to meet the levels of all students .
“ I want all of our students to shine this year ,” Costner said . “ Brownsboro Intermediate School strives to be a safe place of fun and learning that focuses on promoting success inside and outside of the classroom .”
Costner holds the standards high for BIS , and hopes to bring success to the campus by honoring the needs of every student and staff .
“ There were already many great things going on at BIS prior to my time as principal ,” Costner said . “ Now we strive to do better everyday , and the teachers at BIS are taking time to analyze data and adapt to the needs of each student to help them succeed . Our goal this year is to foster a mindset of growth .”
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