October is National Principals Month and the Portland Public Schools is taking this opportunity to shine a spotlight on our principals, who are super. We celebrate and appreciate them not only this month but always! To showcase them, we have asked our principals to answer five questions about themselves and their leadership role. We also asked what superpower they'd like to have to aid in their jobs.

We're featuring each principal individually during this month. Read on to learn more about Super Principal Jake Giessman of Deering High School:

Deering High School

Principal Jake Giessman:

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I started my career as a teacher and principal in independent schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Before moving to Maine, I was a district curriculum coordinator in Missouri. Here in Maine, I was an assistant principal for 8 years.

 2) What inspired you to become a principal?

When I was a young teacher, my principal told me she was going to retire soon and that she wanted me to replace her.

3) What do you feel most passionate/excited about in your job?

I love that all I do all day is help people. (Or at least try to!)

4) What's the most challenging part of being a principal?

The intense pace. The wide range of needs. The personal growth required to be a good servant to the full spectrum of constituents.

5) If you could choose to have a superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?

Speaking all languages fluently.