Pam Kinzler

"Everyday in the life of a high school principal is busy," was Pam Kinzler's opening statement when we met this month. But she isn't just a busy principal; she's a busy wife and mother as well. When I asked Mrs. Kinzler what is the key to balancing her hectic schedule, she said that it is very important to her to balance her personal life with her business life. It makes for a better rounded principal and leader. I could tell there isn't just one special thing she did to keep order in her life, but that it is more of a mindset that she has to keep all things prioritized in their proper place.

Growing up, Pam had an uncle with special needs, and dealing with that very naturally led her into a career as a special education teacher. She has experience teaching in special education for all grades first through twelfth as well as for adults.

About 10 years into her career, Mrs. Kinzler realized she was acting more as a leader among the other teachers, and easily moved into an administrative assistant position. She remained in that position at Penn Hills approximately five years, and then found out about a job opening in Plum as assistant principal that she took. Two years ago, when the then current principal retired, she applied and got the position.

Pam said she's spent 20 years now in the education field, and she feels a lot has changed in that time, in terms of the "accountability [of the administration] driven through legislation." But one thing she said that will never change is, "Good teachers - people who care about kids and teaching - make good education." In one short conversation, it became blaringly obvious to me that Mrs. Kinzler is that type of educator. The kids are the hook that keep her coming back everyday.

With a brief walk through the halls, the success of Plum School District is evident, but Mrs. Kinzler takes no credit for herself on that account. "I've done nothing here on my own." She explained that the entire "administrative team" makes things happen.

Pam Kinzler grew up in Plum and graduated from Plum High School in 1978. Outside of school, she is a regular wife and mother with two kids, ages 6 and 17. "I do typical family things, run kids around, cook dinner, do laundry. And now I'm teaching my youngest to ride a bike without training wheels."

Although she is a busy lady, Mrs. Kinzler has discovered the importance of a balanced life, keeping the two sides - business and personal - equal. One is not as good without the other. Plum students and faculty, be proud of your dedicated principal.