CGEC Principal Jake Stomieroski reviews a portfolio with a student.
October is National Principals Month, and we’re introducing you to our building principals with a short Q&A. Jake Stomieroski is the principal of Questar III’s Columbia-Greene Educational Center in Hudson, and oversees not only the Career & Technical Education/Career Studies programs at the building, but also the Career Academy and Alternative Learning Program.
Tell us about your “road to becoming a principal” – how did you end up in this role?
I taught elementary PE and elementary special ed. While taking classes for my masters I had a teacher who was an administrator. A question came up one day why she wanted to be an administrator. She said, “As a teacher I effect just the students in my classes, as an administrator I can have an effect on more students.” At that moment I knew I wanted to be an administrator.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting to know the students, and watching them grow into young adults.
How do you know that you are making an impact on your students?
Sometimes you don’t know you’re making an impact. Then 5 years after a student graduates you run into that student in a grocery store and they tell you they have a job, they’re married, life is good, and they thank you for it.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I have two golden retrievers, I love playing catch with them. Then of course going to Yankee games is high on my list.
