Description

Mirella Campbell is a friend of mine, and we went to the same high school. She was an elementary teacher and administrator in San Antonio, Texas but recently moved to Georgia. In this episode, Mirella shares her life struggles when getting into college and how she ultimately stayed committed to becoming a teacher.

[00:01 – 01:12] Opening Segment

• I introduce our guest, Mirella Campbell

[01:13 – 12:03] The Flip-5 Segment

• Mirella and I take turns asking 5 GTKY questions

[12:04 – 19:55] Who is Mirella the Educator?

• Mirella shares her AHA! moment that made her want to become an educator.
• She looked up to her 2nd-grade teacher and made her realize that Hispanic women aren’t supposed to be just housewives.
• Mirella talks about her background and her childhood.
• Shares her struggles in life when getting into college
• Talks about her journey as an educator

[19:56 – 33:04] Piloting a Relationship-Centered Approach in the Modern-Day School

• Why it’s so hard for some educators to put relationships in the center of learning
• Mirella on making an impact in her role as an Assistant Principal
• What’s stopping us from creating an environment that is relationship-centered in schools?

[33:05 – 41:48] Education in the New Normal

• Realizing relationships should be established with the students to create an effective learning environment in the new normal.
• Lesson based curriculums blend relationships; they don’t build relationships.
• Social-emotional needs and race or culture diversity
• Navigating through the pandemic

[41:49 – 1:01:31] Vulnerability and Creating Genuine Connections

• Don’t focus on being extraordinary. Focus on being ordinary.
• Be vulnerable
• Creating moments of genuine connection

Tweetable Quotes:

“The pressure, the responsibility, and just the fact that you can’t keep everybody happy was so overwhelming for me.” – Mirella Campbell on realizing the responsibilities of a Principal.

“When you’re a first-year administrator, whether you are a principal or an assistant principal, it takes you time to get to know who kids are. So, by walking in on these morning meetings and just really focusing on having those conversations, meaningful conversations – I’ve had the opportunity to connect kids with siblings and families and really get to know and hear what’s going on.” – Mirella Campbell

“Questions start the conversations; the answers shape the conversations.” – Kevin Curtis

“I think that’s important for an educator is to always be genuine and for you to show that vulnerability so that kids can relate to you. Otherwise, you’re not gonna get anywhere with them especially in the academic world.” – Mirella Campbell

Resources Mentioned:

• Unlocking Us by Brené Brown
• Dare to Lead Podcast by Brené Brown

Visit www.Rclfirst.com to join the Educator Circle Calls that happen three times a week!

Want a FREE download of 25 GTKY questions? Visit www.rclfirst.com and sign up for our...