A Day in the Life of an Elementary School Principal

Amanda Bruckerhoff is the Principal at Two Mile Prairie Elementary School, which is a part of the Columbia Public School District.

Please give us a description of your responsibilities. 

I wear many hats as the principal of Two Mile Prairie, especially since I don’t have an assistant principal. I support teachers with instructional practices, supervise and evaluate teachers and staff, handle all student discipline, communicate with parents and stakeholders, and maintain a safe environment. Many days I feel like I am a principal, counselor, social worker, manager, custodian, nurse, HR, and CFO. However, I absolutely love my school and feel incredibly blessed to be the principal of this sweet school community!

Tell us about your career aspirations. Did you always want to be a principal?   

I always knew I wanted to be an elementary teacher but never dreamed of being a principal. However, early in my teaching career, I had a principal, Dr. Mike Schooley, who inspired me to be a better educator. He had incredibly high expectations, but through his feedback and support, I grew tremendously. Not only did my confidence grow, but I became more effective which led to better classroom management, higher student achievement, and a true love of teaching.  

I became passionate about making a lasting impact for not only students but inspiring and supporting teachers as well. I went back to school for a degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and was excited when I was the youngest assistant principal hired in 2012 by Dr. Ed Schumacher at Russell Boulevard Elementary.  

Let’s get the day started. What is your wake-up time and your morning routine? 

I am not a morning person, so mornings are hard for me! I wish I could say I have a great morning routine that is healthy or inspiring, but usually, it is hitting snooze once or twice and quickly showering and drinking a cup of coffee on the road. 

When does your workday start, and what are the first things on a typical daily to-do list?   

During the school year, my workday starts at 7:10 a.m. at Two Mile Prairie. I touch base with our secretary and make sure there isn’t anything big that needs to be addressed before students arrive. Then I usually make a second cup of coffee, chat with teachers, and make sure to check my calendar and emails before the school day begins. Doors open at 7:20 a.m. and I greet every student at drop-off. 

This is my favorite part of my day — the hugs, smiles, waves, and chats with our students are the perfect way to start the day.  

Okay, so there might not be such a thing as a “typical day.” We imagine there are all sorts of distractions and variables. But what, in your experience, would be a “smooth” day? 

A smooth day would include great weather, so we have outside recess. (If you work in an elementary school, you know how big of a deal this is. LOL.) A smooth day would also be one where all my staff is at school or if there are absences, we have all our sub jobs filled. I would be able to go into classrooms to observe teachers, interact with students, and support teachers with minimum disruptions or emergencies.  

What’s the first distraction that came your way today?  

Emails, emails, emails! 

Give an example or two of something that happened that made your day; something that inspired or encouraged you.  

At 11 a.m. today, a teacher came in and gave me a hug thanking me for all I do for our school. She recognized the stress I have been under being understaffed and having to make difficult decisions that impact our teachers 

 I am so lucky to work with so many incredible people who support me, encourage me, and remind me how lucky I am to be in this leadership position — even on the hard days.  

THIS is non-negotiable. You won’t be distracted from doing THIS. What is THIS?

Morning announcements. This is a priority during the school year. At 7:50 every morning, we go “live” from a classroom on Zoom for morning announcements that the whole school watches. This sets the tone for our day. It allows me to start my day in a classroom and ensures I am visible to students and staff.  

My favorite part of announcements is our morning mindfulness time. We practice breathing and calm-down strategies and gratitude practices.  

Tell us about your work experience prior to becoming principal.  

I was an assistant principal at Russell Boulevard Elementary School before becoming a principal. I also taught third grade at Derby Ridge Elementary and kindergarten at Rock Bridge Elementary.  

What attracted you to working for the Columbia Public School System?  

I am a proud graduate of CPS and am passionate about public education. I couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere besides Columbia. I plan to spend my entire career here until retirement.  

If you could tell your younger  self what you wish you had  known or knew to look out for, what would that be?   

I would tell myself that the voice inside my head telling me I am not good enough is lying. Often, imposter syndrome gets the best of me. I am proud to say at 40 years old, I feel more confident and at peace with who I am as not only a principal, but as a colleague, community member, daughter, and friend.  

So what time is lunch?  What are you having?   

A common misconception is that principals have a lunch break. I often chuckle when friends in the corporate world ask if I can go to a meeting or an appointment during my “lunch break.” Sometimes I have lunch walking down the hallway to get a student from class or eat while supervising them in the lunchroom. 

My favorite lunch is when I have leftovers from Sunday dinner with my mom and dad! 

What do your friends not understand about what you do?   

The emotional toll of the job. I worry about all of my students, their families, and my staff. I am a fixer by nature and always want to keep everyone happy or solve everyone’s problems. It can be very stressful to feel like I am responsible for so many people. Many days are emotionally draining, especially if I have challenging student discipline or upset parents. 

What time is your workday finished?

Although the school day is over at 2:40 p.m., principals and teachers always work after hours, on weekends, and at night.  

What’s for supper/dinner? Who will you share that meal with?   

My boyfriend is an excellent cook. If I have a stressful day, he will have me over for a home cooked meal. On other evenings I enjoy recreating recipes I see on Instagram or throwing something in my air fryer. 

What do you do to unwind in the evening (or earlier in the day), and what time is lights out (bedtime)?   

Workout classes or long walks are my favorite way to unwind or have some “me time.” I love group fitness classes at Wilson’s, Sumits Hot Yoga, and Pure Barre. I normally end the evening with a hot bath and then in bed by 10.