Michelle Neyrey

I attribute my success to a strong sense of purpose and passion for education, which has always driven me to focus on the impact I can make on both students and teachers. Resilience and persistence have carried me through challenges, while my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth has allowed me to adapt and improve over time. Collaboration and relationship-building with colleagues, mentors, and community partners have been essential to my journey, as has a data-driven and detail-oriented approach to decision-making. Most importantly, I believe that keeping students and teachers at the center of my work and balancing leadership with empathy has been the foundation of my success.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to stay grounded in my purpose rather than chase titles or positions. I was told that if you focus on doing meaningful work, cultivating authentic relationships, and remaining open to growth, the right opportunities will come in their own time. That wisdom has stayed with me and continues to guide how I approach my career. It taught me that true success is not measured solely by advancement, but by the impact you make and the lives you touch along the way. Just as importantly, it reminded me of the value of balance—pouring into others while also taking care of yourself. That balance has been the foundation for sustaining both passion and fulfillment in my work.

My advice to young women entering education is to lead with passion and purpose. This field can be demanding, but when you focus on the impact you have on students, the challenges become worth it. Don’t be afraid to use your voice and step into leadership roles, even if they feel intimidating at first. Seek out mentors who will guide and support you, but also trust your own instincts—you have valuable perspectives to share. At the same time, protect your balance by setting healthy boundaries and remembering that your well-being matters. Most importantly, never stop learning. Growth as an educator comes from curiosity, reflection, and the willingness to adapt.

Right now, education faces both serious challenges and exciting opportunities. Schools are grappling with equity gaps, rising absenteeism, and the impact of growing private school enrollment on public systems. At the same time, educators must navigate the ethical and practical issues of AI, ensuring it supports learning without undermining critical thinking or integrity. Yet, opportunities are emerging through AI-powered personalized learning, innovative career pathways like apprenticeships, and equity-focused reforms that bring new funding and resources. Advances in blended learning technology and stronger alignment between education and workforce needs also offer the chance to reimagine how students learn and prepare for the future.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, service, family, resilience, and compassion. My faith keeps me grounded and reminds me of my greater purpose, guiding how I treat others and how I make decisions. Integrity ensures that I lead with honesty, fairness, and consistency, whether I am supporting teachers, students, or colleagues, and service drives me to use my skills to uplift others and create opportunities for growth. Over the last year, as I faced health challenges and celebrated becoming a grandmother—“Mimi”—with another grandchild on the way, I have been reminded of the vital importance of work–family balance and the joy that comes from cherishing both personal and professional roles. Resilience has carried me through moments of struggle, and compassion shapes the way I connect with those around me, reminding me that true success is not only about professional accomplishments but also about the positive impact we make in people’s lives.