Nine Questions for the Principal
By: Maria Alejandra Diaz
Javier Sancio, our principal, has been very kind to grant us the chance to have an interview with him. He has only been in Sampedro for two years, so we’re very curious to know about his experience so far. Furthermore, we also wanted to know his opinion about topics concerning high school education and what new projects we can look forward to in the future. Here are his interesting answers to our questions:
1. What did you do before becoming principal? How did these experiences lead you to your current position as principal? In the last nine years, I have been a school inspector, so I was very involved with the management of academic centers. This is why, when I was given the chance to be in charge of running Sampedro, I thought it would be a good opportunity to continue in that line of work.
2. What are your three favorite things about your job? What three things do you not enjoy about your job? What I like the most is the opportunity of participating in an educational plan in which I can take part in providing the best conditions possible to benefit the learning of our students. Also, it is very satisfying to do it with a group of professionals that are ready to face new challenges and solve the obstacles that emerge, and they do this with a positive attitude. Yet, what surprises most people is that one of the responsibilities that I am most passionate about is the Philosophy lessons I teach. Regarding the things I dislike about my job, I can’t think of anything specific. I believe that when I carry out a task that may not be as agreeable as others, I bear in mind that there is an important reason for fulfilling the task I have to carry out. So, liking certain responsibilities or not becomes secondary.
3. Why did you choose to be a principal of high school rather than a primary school? Is there something particular about secondary school education that interests you? Since I am a state civil servant high school teacher, I can only be a state civil servant high school principal. In Spain, you can only manage a state primary school if you have passed the necessary state exams to work in that educational sector. To be honest, working with high school students appeals to me the most.
4. How has your experience in Sampedro been so far? How is it different from other high schools you have been in? (If you have been in any other, that is) What is unique about the school? My first year as a principal was very tough because we had to confront a massive budget and personnel cut, which resulted in a very tense working environment. Nonetheless, this year, despite the fact that our resources haven’t improved, we are focused on making the best of what we have. It is worth noting the way the faculty is responding to the circumstances, which is worthy of praise. Regarding the most prominent characteristic of Sampedro, I think it is how high the expectations of the families and teachers are concerning the students’ academic success. This leads to very high standards from the students, and a great commitment from our teachers.