Andrea Everett

I attribute my success to the incredible people I've worked with throughout my career. When we reduced office referrals by 44% at Meadow Lakes Elementary, going from over 50% of students being sent to the office to about 5%, I had amazing people to work with, and we had great success there because of a committed staff and a strong sense of shared purpose. When I opened Dena'ina Elementary, one of the most challenging things I've done in my career, I had an amazing community, great teachers, great paraprofessionals, and an amazing front office staff. I can look back and just feel so proud of all those people and the things they did. During the earthquake and COVID shutdown, being a school leader was very challenging, but I was fortunate to have resilient and dedicated staff who helped us navigate those crises. When we implemented our district instructional coaches, the core specialists who partner with teachers on improving instruction and inclusion, those people have been really critical in helping teachers and walking alongside them. Our student achievement has continued to grow over the last 4 years because of this collaborative approach. I've also been fortunate to learn from exceptional leaders like Traci Pedersen, who taught me that before you can become a good leader, you really have to know yourself and what you value so you can stick with it. That lesson has been a guiding light for me. My parents, especially my mother, instilled in my sister and me that just because you're female doesn't mean you're less than, and my sister has always been in my corner, reminding me to take care of myself. I've also had strong friends like Emily Jordan, Jody Stewart, and Rhonda Hewitt, along with Traci, who are my girl squad. I don't think you can get through life without people like that.

The best career advice I’ve ever received has come from both family and influential leaders who shaped my sense of confidence and purpose. My mother instilled in me the belief that being female is never a limitation, reinforcing that I am just as capable and valuable as anyone else, while my sister has been a steady source of support and encouragement, reminding me to care for myself even as I balance a demanding career, furthering my education, and motherhood. In my professional life, one of the most impactful lessons came from my supervisor, Traci Pedersen, who modeled strong, intentional leadership. She taught me that before you can lead others effectively, you must first understand yourself and your core values, a principle that continues to guide every decision I make. I’ve also been deeply supported by a close circle of friends and mentors who consistently encourage and inspire me, reinforcing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who help you stay grounded, confident, and aligned with your purpose.

My advice to women entering education with their sights set on leadership: be patient, but not passive. Public education sits at a genuine crossroads right now. It's an institution people expect to be stable and reliable; a foundation that lets families work, and communities function, yet those same people also demand that it constantly adapt to every shift in society. That tension isn't going away, and something will have to give.

Despite the headlines, much of what's being said about public education simply isn't true. The work happening in schools every day is meaningful, and it's worth staying in it. So keep inspiring students. Keep doing the work that brought you here. But at the same time, keep your eyes open — track the trends, pay attention to where the profession is heading, and position yourself so that when a leadership opportunity opens up, you're ready to step into it.

That readiness is built over time: through committee work, community engagement, and taking on leadership roles at your school site. The landscape is shifting, and that's actually an opening. Be patient but also be prepared.

A major challenge in public education right now is navigating intense scrutiny and rapid societal change while continuing to meet the diverse needs of students and staff. At the same time, there is a strong opportunity to leverage technology, strengthen instructional systems through coaches and specialists, and prioritize principal well-being to drive more equitable student growth.

My two daughters are among my greatest sources of inspiration. They are amazing, strong women, and their dad and I have tried hard to make sure that they grow up knowing they can do anything they want. My oldest just finished her first year of college, is studying biomedical sciences, and wants to become a doctor. My youngest is fierce and has two more years of high school but already has almost 60 college credits. They keep me grounded in what life is really all about, and they bring me a lot of joy. Outside of my family, I'm passionate about the outdoors and an active, adventurous lifestyle. I've been a mountain climber, hiker, and endurance runner, and I like to flit over the mountains in Alaska and elsewhere. I love having my hands in the dirt, gardening, and just being outside. I don't think you can survive in Alaska without enjoying the outdoors. I also love to travel and experience other cultures, see the world, and revisit history. There's so much more than what is right in front of you, and one thing we do as leaders is influence people to broaden their perspectives, but you can't do that if you don't broaden your own. Travel is an easy way to do that, and I've been fortunate to have traveled a fair amount. I believe that expanding one's worldview is essential for effective leadership, and leaders cannot broaden others' perspectives without first actively seeking to broaden their own.