After five years teaching Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Lisa Olsen got her principal certification to one day fulfill her dream of becoming an administrator.

Already having a master’s degree in psychology and social work, Olsen found an online program that required her to take courses more concentrated on the actual principal certification. Taking the online courses for Lamar University only took her about 10 months to complete the necessary classes and tests.

“When I talked to Dr. [Susie] Fegraeus, she encouraged me to [take the course],” Olsen said.  “After that I just started working on the program, and I am glad I did now.”

Not only has Olsen helped her AVID students get ready for college, she also wants to extend that and help other teachers make the school better.

“I started thinking about things in a more global way, [including] how I can help the school system instead of just in my own classroom,” Olsen said.

Right now, Olsen does not have her mind set yet of what she is going to do next year since she is still applying for jobs as an administrator.  She is uncertain of whether she wants to continue teaching AVID or not. Olsen has her mind open for any new opportunity.

“[The new job] could even be in another school, even though I love North Garland,” Olsen said. “I am just trying to be open to any possibilities. It’s not that I don’t like what I am doing. If I end up doing what I am doing this year I’ll be happy too.”