Krista Helmore, MAT (TESOL)

I attribute my success to my commitment to personal connection, continuous growth, and unwavering advocacy. I approach every situation with empathy and purpose because I believe in truly understanding and supporting the people I serve. I strive to reach the highest standards, learning from my mistakes and using those experiences to become a stronger advocate. Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to standing up for what is right, especially when advocating for students and ensuring their best interests remain at the center of every decision. My own journey of discovering that I have ADHD has deepened my understanding of the importance of advocacy and inclusion, particularly for multilingual students and those who may face additional barriers. I embrace difficult conversations, lead with compassion, and bring the grit and determination needed to continue fighting for my students. My passion comes from knowing that I am making a meaningful difference and doing what is right for each student I serve.

The best career advice I have ever received is to value and build strong relationships with everyone, especially the people who help keep an organization running behind the scenes. I was taught to make genuine connections with secretaries and custodial staff because they are often the people who know the heartbeat of a school. They have a unique perspective, see the bigger picture, and understand what is happening throughout the building. Their insight, dedication, and contributions are invaluable. This advice has reinforced my belief that every person plays an important role, regardless of their title or position, and that success comes from respecting, listening to, and appreciating the entire team.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to focus on personal growth rather than comparing themselves to others. Ask yourself, “Am I better today than I was yesterday?” and let that internal motivation guide your journey. Success comes from being willing to learn, seek guidance from experienced professionals, and take advantage of opportunities for continued professional development. When you begin your career, it is easy to believe that education and training provide all the answers, but true growth comes from applying that knowledge in real-world situations and understanding that every student and situation is unique. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn, ask questions, seek additional resources, and remain curious. Having the humility to recognize when you need more information and the determination to keep improving will help you become a stronger professional and advocate.

One of the greatest opportunities in education today is the ability to influence generations of students while helping shape the future of schools and communities. I am inspired by the continued evolution of educational technology, data systems, and instructional innovation, which have transformed the way educators support multilingual learners by providing more personalized, equitable, and effective learning experiences. These advancements allow us to better understand student needs, monitor growth, and create meaningful opportunities for success. At the same time, the field faces ongoing challenges, including educator burnout, increasing compliance demands, and the complexity of addressing the diverse needs of today’s learners. I believe women leaders have a unique opportunity to drive positive change through advocacy, collaboration, and innovative leadership by strengthening family engagement, promoting equitable systems, and ensuring every student has access to exceptional educational opportunities. Through dedication, compassion, and a commitment to continuous improvement, I strive to help shape the future of education and create a lasting impact for students, educators, and communities.

The values that guide me most in both my work and personal life are self-care, family, meaningful relationships, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. I believe every student deserves to feel valued, understood, and supported, and that true educational success happens when schools and families come together as strong partners. My leadership is rooted in empathy, high expectations, and a commitment to equity for every learner, especially those whose voices and needs may not always be recognized. Living with ADHD has shaped my perspective and strengthened my ability to think creatively, challenge traditional approaches, and advocate passionately for students. I view my role as an educator and leader as an opportunity to identify challenges, create sustainable solutions, and build systems where both students and educators can thrive. I also believe in the importance of balance and intentionally prioritize self-care, family, and a strong support network, knowing that taking care of myself allows me to continue showing up with purpose, passion, and dedication for the students, educators, and communities I serve.