A Mindful Mentor

Since launching her career as a parent volunteer, Randi Fielding has worked with the Florence (Arizona) Unified School District as a teacher, an instructional coach, and an administrator. As assistant principal of Magma Ranch K–8, her goal is to provide every child with excellent teachers and provide every teacher with an excellent administrator.

Mentoring teachers in the district, Fielding is committed to helping students and staff give their best. She uses data to inform decision-making, and helps everyone involved in a child’s education understand the available data better.

Passionate about literacy, social-emotional learning, and teacher leadership, Fielding supports educator growth beyond the district’s confines by teaching National Board pre-​certification courses and serving on the executive board of Arizona ASCD. Principal magazine recently asked her about school goals, data visualization, and more. Here’s what she said:

What hidden talents do you have that aid in your leadership role?

I’m a great question-asker. Instead of trying to “fix” problems and immediately offer advice,
I listen and ask questions. I start with, “What are some ideas you have?”

How do you help others understand data in service to school goals?

I develop infographics to provide a snapshot of the data and track milestones on the journey toward our goals, offering context so it has relevance in day-to-day activities and interventions.
This gives stakeholders a clear understanding of where we’re at.

What is the best “leadership moment” you’ve had since becoming an assistant principal?

I get a kick out of being in a classroom and seeing the teacher use a strategy I taught them. I love watching the teachers’ confidence grow as they realize they have what it takes to be effective. It’s rewarding when I see teachers make personal connections with students and make a difference in their lives.

How do you use communities of practice to help you meet your goals?

I love participating in the [NAESP] Assistant Principal Community of Practice. It helps me know that the challenges I’m working on at my school are similar to challenges other schools are facing throughout the country.

How do you support teacher growth and leadership through mentorship?

Model, model, model! I try to never do or say anything I wouldn’t want our staff to emulate. During my walkabouts, I intentionally praise, connect, and encourage staff and students. I do this verbally, nonverbally, and with notes and Giddy-Up tickets—small incentives to live the Magma Ranch vision and creed.

How do you support teacher growth and leadership through mentorship?

Model, model, model! I try to never do or say anything I wouldn’t want our staff to emulate. During my walkabouts, I intentionally praise, connect, and encourage staff and students. I do this verbally, nonverbally, and with notes and Giddy-Up tickets—small incentives to live the Magma Ranch vision and creed.

What is your favorite part of the school day as assistant principal?

I love spending time with students. I lead a few groups of students who want to develop servant leadership skills by working on projects that help school families. These groups include the Readers Group, Creed Ambassadors, and Members of Principal’s Academy.