If you ever thought about going into education, did you ever think you had multiple different job opportunities? Andy Campbell, also known as Mr. Campbell, did just that. Campbell had been in the education community for 31 years, and taught at Rock Island High School for 17 years. He grew up in Rock Island, and was very familiar with the area. He loved sports, and always thought he would go into a head coaching position. “My mom and step-dad were both teachers at RIHS, so I kind of grew up around it. I thought I would do something in the front office of a baseball team, but realized my calling was in the classroom, and I haven’t looked back” he explained. Campbell graduated from the University of Iowa, and started his teaching career at the age of 24. He grew to love his position and loved the interactions and relationships he got to build with his students, and even the staff at the school.
This past year, his role had changed. He decided to challenge himself, and take a new role as a principal at Eugene Field Elementary School. Campbell says, “The responsibilities of being a teacher and a principal are different, but have the same goal, try to do what’s best for students and staff every minute of the day.” Campbell’s favorite aspects about being a principal are the daily challenges that every day brings. He states, “No day is ever alike.” However, there are differences between the two positions. At the high school, Campbell could let his guard down at times, and could relax. At the elementary school, Campbell says, “I have to be on point from the minute I walk into the door to the minute I walk out of the door.” The vibes between principal and teachers are different, but both are what Cambpell loves to do in his everyday life.
A day as principal can be stressful, having to work with all the kids, but it is never anything Cambpell can’t deal with. Campbell himself gets to the school bright and early, around 6:30 A.M. Then, about an hour and a half later, he greets families and students at the crosswalk to start the day. Once everyone is settled in their classrooms Campbell would do morning announcements to inform students and teachers about important upcoming dates and events. He would then go check up on classrooms, then go into morning meetings. Then, Campbell goes outside to do recess duties and interact with the students. The afternoon is filled with paperwork, emails, and general school tasks that occasionally come up. After that, he goes back to the crosswalk at 2:50 P.M. to say goodbye to the students and families. Campbell usually gets home between 4:30 P.M. and 5 P.M. every day. Campbell says, “There is no such thing as every day life as principal, as each day is filled with challenges, positive outcomes, and lots of laughter.”
As of right now, Campbell is not planning on retiring any time soon. He loves his job and plans to continue for more years to come. However, when he does retire, he plans to garden, read as many books as possible, spend as much time as possible with family and friends, follow the Phish band on tour, and hike the Appalachian trail. Campbell himself believes he is incredibly lucky to not feel like he has to go to work every day. “Find something you enjoy, and try to make a career out of it,” Campbell says. He isn’t sure when he wants to retire, because he is passionate about what he does, and as long as he is having fun, he plans to continue his position as principal at Eugene Field Elementary School.
