Former Janitor Becomes New Principal Of His Alma Mater To Inspire His Son

Sep 01, 2022 by apost team

When Mike Huss graduated from Ione Elementary in California decades ago, the young boy probably thought he'd never reenter through those doors again. It wasn't until he had a child of his own that Huss started rethinking his life's trajectory. 

Huss had been working as a janitor, and his son was a toddler when he felt inspired to return to school. According to KCRA, Huss recalled his motivation and said, "I wanted to show my young son that if your dad can do this, if your dad can be the school janitor coaching youth sports, maintain a good grade point average and become a school teacher, you can accomplish anything in this life, son."

Additionally, Huss credited his family and friends with pushing him to pursue a teaching degree after seeing how the man interacted with the students of his school. It seemed even from early on, everyone around him could tell that with a little work and some changes, Huss could be making an even greater impact on these young lives. 

Eventually, Huss, while juggling family life and a budding career in education, became a teacher. The change was, funnily enough, something that had been, in a way, predicted years earlier. "It was here my first time someone told me I was going to be a teacher. It was my seventh grade teacher," Huss said, remembering a particular educator who first foresaw his return to the classroom. "You're going to be a great teacher someday," Huss repeated, recalling the exchange.

As a young boy, Huss had no aspirations of working in education. "I laughed at her," he admitted. He'd thought, "not going to happen." However, decades later, the comment rang true as Huss became principal of Ione Elementary in 2022. "Here I am," he said, laughing. 

The change came after Huss had already spent years teaching, namely fifth grade, at Ione of all places. On his fitting return, Huss' colleague, Melanie Cortez, said, “I think it’s neat when people can stay in their community and there’s opportunities like this." The school’s office administrator continued, touching on how difficult it's been losing his presence in the classroom. "The kids aren’t used to seeing him in the office, so we have kids come in all day long asking, ‘Is Mr. Huss busy?'” Having been a popular teacher and effective role model, Huss still has kids drawing strength, energy, and inspiration from him.

While he's no longer in front of the whiteboard giving lectures anymore, he's still clearly around. As principal, Huss encourages his students and takes every spare minute and opportunity to interact with them. Having also taught sports, the principal previously began a summer bike-riding group aimed at helping students stay active during school breaks. Additionally, Huss instated a walk-to-school program every Wednesday. It seems that although the promotion has meant changes in his school day, Huss has found creative ways to stay actively involved with his students. 

On his goals for his new role, Huss said, "I’m trying to help students believe in themselves that they can accomplish great things if they just stay the course." 

Standing on the blacktop with his adoring pupils, Huss candidly asked his students about his new job. Gesturing around their circle, he said, "Be honest: how am I doing as principal?" The children answered with a resounding, "Great!" 

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Did you have a principal that similarly inspired you? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, and any fellow teachers!