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 Denali Elementary, one of the most challenging things I've done in my career, I had an amazing community, great teachers, great paraprofessionals, and my nurse. I can look back and just feel so proud of all of those people and the things that people 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 course 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 Tracy Peterson, 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 me and my sister 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 Tracy, 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 while balancing a demanding career and education.

In my professional life, one of the most impactful lessons came from my supervisor, Tracy Peterson, who modeled what strong, intentional leadership looks like. 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.

I would say, have patience. Public education is changing, and the interesting thing about it is that everybody expects it to be this institution that's not supposed to change, it's supposed to be there for people so that parents can go to work and contribute to the economy. But then everyone also expects it to adapt to all of the issues and changes happening in society. I feel like we're at this real crossroads where something's gonna give. There's a lot of bad press about public education that is just not true. So for new people coming into it, especially women, I want to say to them, be patient. Continue on your path, continue trying to inspire kids, but also watch the trends, watch the things that are happening, and make sure that you're ready for that leadership opportunity. Don't rush into leadership, but also prepare yourself by engaging in committees, exploring opportunities, and coordinating with the community at your school site. Be patient, because things are gonna change, just be ready for it.

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 really hard to make sure that they grow up knowing they can do anything they want. My oldest just finished her first year of college and is doing biomedical sciences and wants to become a doctor. My youngest is fierce and has got 2 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, endurance runner, and I like to flit over the mountains in Alaska and backpack. I love having my hands in the dirt and gardening, just being outside. I don't think you can live in Alaska and survive and not enjoy the outdoors. I also really 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 I think one of the things that we need to do as leaders and to influence people is to help broaden people's perspective, but you can't do that if you don't broaden your own. Travel is one of the easy ways to do that, and I've been really lucky because I've traveled a lot. I believe that expanding one's worldview is essential for effective leadership, and leaders cannot broaden the perspectives of others without first actively seeking to broaden their own.