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 and lead teachers 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 participating principal individually during this month. Read on to learn more about Super Principal Terry Young of Gerald E. Talbot Community School:

Gerald E. Talbot Community School

Principal Terry Young

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I taught for 10 years - kindergarten, fourth grade and middle school. I was an assistant principal in Auburn and then a principal in Saco and then Portland. I've been a principal for nine years in the district, first at Longfellow and now at Talbot. 

2) What inspired you to become a principal?

Susan Gendron, the superintendent in Windham at the time, encouraged me to consider school leadership and recommended that I participate in a statewide leadership cohort.  I also have deep respect for the work that teachers do and I like being in a role where I can be an advocate for teachers.

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

I am passionate about building relationships with students and supporting them in their growth and development. One of my favorite ways to get to know kids is being with them during recess – it gives you a window into kids' experiences and helps you to see hidden talents that you might not see elsewhere. 

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

It's a job that requires high-energy and commitment.  It's constant and you have to be on all the time. 

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

If I could clone myself, that would be great!  One of me could be out at recess and the other could be in the school doing observations and working with teachers.