Rebecca Rose has been a drill team director for 17 years. This year, however, she has taken on a new position as an assistant principal.
As a drill team instructor/dance teacher, they focus on things like choreographing routines and setting forms on the football field for more than 60 girls. As an administrator, their attention goes to things like the needs of members of the Falcon community, testing needs, etc. on a much larger school-wide scale.
“When you’re a teacher, you pretty much dictate your own time, things work around your timetable, but when you’re an administrator, your time is determined by others – meetings, student needs, parent needs, teacher needs, etc.” explained Rose. “I’ve gone from dancing, teamwork and discipline on a small scale to testing, curriculum and discipline on a very large scale.”
According to Rose, there were many factors that contributed to her decision in transitioning careers. She had been directing drill team for 17 years, and it felt like it was time to close that chapter and move into a new role.
“I felt I had all the experiences one can hope to have when coaching – I was able to rescue a program that was functioning without a director, I lead teams to 3 Nationals titles, and I got to start and build a program here at Timber Creek, which I consider to be the jewel in my drill team crown,” said Rose. “Drill team requires many nights and weekends away from home, and I really felt how much I was missing with my own children. I loved the leadership part of directing and felt I could contribute to a campus in a different way.”
While being an administrator is very different from her previous position, the new setting of work was an enjoyable change. Previously, Rose only saw her dance students every day as the drill team instructor, but she now has the opportunity to interact with the majority of the student body daily.
“I love being on duty in the morning to greet our students, most respond back to me – and that small gesture makes my day. I’m excited and looking forward to being here for all of our students at Timber Creek,” said Rose.
Administrators work hard to make processes such as testing and discipline run smoothly. According to Rose, the assistant principals and counselors provided incredible support to her in this position transition, and they are always available to her when she has questions.
Rose said, “At the end of the day, whether you’re a drill team director or an assistant principal, it’s all about what’s best for our students.”