Her Story
About Retha
Retha Swain serves as Assistant Principal for Culture and Climate at Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, overseeing the Freshman Center with responsibilities including security, safety protocols, dress code compliance, and student engagement monitoring. She has dedicated 32 years to public education, starting as a middle school reading and social studies teacher in Indianapolis Public Schools in 1992, spending nine years at a township school after earning her administrative license, and returning to IPS. Swain earned her bachelor's degree in general studies and education from Indiana University Bloomington in 1991 after attending John Marshall High School, followed by a master's degree from IUPUI around 2002, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Policy at Purdue University with an expected completion in 2028. She maintains certifications including an administrative license, biennial seclusion safety training, and CPR certification, and has been an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated since fall 1987. Swain attributes her success to strong parenting from her mother, who emphasized college and self-improvement, and she values honesty, leading by example, showing up, and a strong work ethic in both her professional and personal life. She advises young women entering education to build self-worth and character first, and she emphasizes not taking student comments personally as they often stem from other issues.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Retha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong parenting from my mother, who was a no-nonsense person that pushed college and wanting better for myself. I grew up wanting to show that I could do better and not have the same circumstances.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is not to take things kids say personally because they often don't know what they're saying and it may stem from something else entirely. As I've gotten older, I've learned to understand that and not take it personally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to build self-worth and character first before putting their heart into anything else like relationships. Care about yourself, your grades, hygiene, and appearance, and everything else will fall into place. I started a girls' group because I saw young ladies lost in these areas.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is getting students to understand that what we're doing is for their well-being, not as punishment. They don't always see that education is the means to get what they want in life the right way.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is number one for me. I also value leading by example, showing up, and having a strong work ethic. I value hardworking people and always being present unless something serious happens.
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