Zoe Duskin, New AP
By Jacqueline Xu, Staff Writer
Although she is starting her first year as assistant principal at Galileo, this will be Ms. Zoe Duskin’s third year working here. For the previous two years, she worked as Instructional Reform Facilitator, also known as “school improvement coach”, supporting teachers at Galileo for the last two years. She became assistant principal because she wanted to get more hands on at helping out the school and working directly with teachers more.
As Instructional Reform Facilitator, she worked with the administration to design plans to help Galileo and also support school improvement initiatives. Before getting this position, she had to take what is known as the School Leadership Licensure Assessment writing exam.
Now, as the assistant principal, she works with department chairs to help them reach department goals, worked with community and national organizations to manage school, involved with Professional Development- managing time with teachers, and strategic planning management, known as the balance score card for Galileo. Ms. Duskin says that, “The balance score card is a strategic planning and management system of how we can continue to strive to make Galileo a better school, it ensures that we are focused on a few common goals designed to improve student achievements.”
Ms. Duskin believes she is ready to handle the Assistant Principal role, but she knows she still has a lot to learn. Ms.Duskin says that,”Mr. Van Court (previous assistant principal) left, and I felt like I was ready to be in a leadership role. I have a lot to learn, learn how district/teachers/students works. I’m lucky, because Mrs. Pesek is a good mentor for me and so is Mrs. Lambert. Sometimes, I seek the leadership team for help,” said Ms. Duskin.
As a first year assistant principal, Ms. Duskin knows that it’s a hard job, but she loves it. She thinks that Galileo has great teachers to help students, as she says, “It’s a hard job but I love it. Galileo has fantastic teachers design ways to help students be successful,” she said.
Many staff members are happy and look forward to work with Ms.Duskin, as being the new assistant principal. Ms. Wade, Secretary of Galileo says,” She’s wonderful; I enjoy working with her, I’m very happy.” Dean Robertson says, “I think it’s great.”