I am heading to the dark side.
After a terrific conversation with my supervisor, I’ve decided to pursue my principal endorsement and add an M.Ed. to my Master of Library Science (MLS). My first class starts on August 24, 2026.

I am 51 years old with an 8-year-old daughter. I started teaching way back in the 1990s, and while I have no immediate plans to retire, the thought crosses my mind from time to time. I always imagined I might finish out my career as a college professor, sharing my experience and terrible dad jokes with the next generation of school librarians. I still might do that—who knows?

So, with all of that in mind, why would I choose to spend my evenings, weekends, and early mornings working toward another degree?

1. I love learning.
Plain and simple: I love to learn. I genuinely enjoy the reading, discussion, and writing that come with a formal program of study. I want to feel the joy of discovery again, and I know this program will help round out my nearly 30 years of experience across classrooms, campus libraries, state agencies, and school districts.

2. I want to better understand how administrators think.
I’ve actively avoided getting an admin license for almost 20 years. Nearly every principal I’ve worked with has encouraged me to pursue administration, but I always felt the role wasn’t a good fit for my personality, work style, or energy.

Even though I’ve worked closely with administrators throughout my career, I still find myself puzzled by some of their decisions. I want to assume less and know more about the myriad factors leaders must weigh—especially when making choices that impact library programs.

3. I want to have a broader impact on students.
While I don’t place much weight on titles or credentials, I recognize that others do. If I want to continue advocating for teaching and learning at a systemic level, I need to be seated at the right tables. I hope that earning this endorsement will open doors to rooms I’ve only peeked into before.

Follow along with me here on Knowledge Quest as I share insights from my journey through this principal preparation program. I hope it proves to be an enlightening and instructive experience for us all!