Celebrating National Principals Month: Dr. Carrie O'Bryant of Macedonia ES!

October is National Principals Month! Our Principals are amazing instructional leaders dedicated to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  We’re recognizing these inspiring leaders with special posts throughout the month. Please join us in thanking them for all they do to support our mission of being the highest performing school district in Georgia.

Macedonia Elementary School Principal Dr. Carrie O'Bryant

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I wanted to be a teacher because every child deserves someone who believes in them — even on the days they forget to believe in themselves.  And if I can be that person, while also getting paid in crayon-drawn masterpieces, spontaneous hugs, and the occasional mystery glitter explosion, then I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Who was the most influential teacher in your life?
Ms. Smith was my first-grade teacher, but more than that, she was my safe place.  She made me feel deeply loved, seen, and special every single day.  On the last day of school, I was so devastated at the thought of leaving her class that I put my little hands together and prayed — right there at my desk — that somehow I could stay with her.  Just moments later, she announced that she would be looping with our class the next year.  I was absolutely certain my prayer had worked.  I will never forget that moment!

What’s a favorite memory from your first year as a teacher?
During my first year of teaching, I was determined to master hallway behavior.  One day, I proudly held my finger over my mouth to signal “quiet” and turned to walk backward so I could keep an eye on my class.  With all the confidence of a seasoned pro, I said, “Boys and girls, do what I am doing.”  And they did — exactly.  Suddenly, I had a whole line of tiny humans walking backward down the hallway, fingers over their mouths, looking very serious about it.  I couldn’t even correct them because I was too busy trying not to laugh.  That was the day I learned: kids are literal, and I should be very careful what I ask for!

How did teaching prepare you to be a Principal?
Teaching gave me the heart for leadership.  Every lesson plan, every sticky-note love letter from a student, every moment spent cheering on a child who didn’t believe in themselves — those experiences shaped me.  They taught me that leading isn’t about being in charge; it’s about lifting others up.  As a Principal, I carry those classroom moments with me, because they remind me that the best kind of leadership starts with love, patience, and a really good stash of chocolate for the hard days!  When I see teachers learn and grow, I am reminded why I chose this path.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankAPrincipal