As part of our ongoing strategic planning work with The National Charter Schools Institute, our Education Division has been taking time to reconnect with our “why”—the personal purpose that drives each of us in education. This reflection has reminded us that behind every role and every initiative are powerful stories rooted in service to students and schools. We’re excited to share those stories through our Sponsor Updates.
This month, we’re proud to feature Mindy Farry, School Improvement Representative. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and educational leader, Mindy brings a deep commitment to student success and a passion for supporting educators and school leaders. Her journey in education reflects the lasting impact of believing in students and the difference one educator can make.
What originally drew you to a career in education?
I am a first-generation college student and don’t really remember being encouraged to go to college. I was a good high school student who everyone said should become a teacher. I ignored that advice and went through four majors in my first year of college (dance; theater; pre-law; communications, then finally education). I finished that bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University with a double major in English Education and Speech/Communications. At OSU, you get a taste of your first teaching experience during your freshman year, and that’s when I knew my true love was in the classroom.
I started teaching high school English at Whitehall-Yearling High School in 1978, met my future husband on the picket line while we were on strike, and taught in that same building until I became the assistant principal and then principal in 1998. I taught everything imaginable in the English department from Bible as Literature to AP English for seniors. I directed the dance team there for 15 years and won 9 National Championships and 13 State Championships. Those women, now wives, mothers, and even grandmothers are amazing legacies of what we built at Whitehall; I love watching their stories on social media and the amazing women they’ve become. I left Whitehall in 2003 for an opportunity to be the principal at Olentangy High School, and then retired from there in 2008. I teach English composition part time for Columbus State and am an adjunct at Ashland University in the Education Leadership division. I am also a trainer for the State of Ohio in the Principal and Teacher evaluations systems.
What motivates you to come to work every day?
I retired as a principal in a large, traditional public high school, and I resisted leaving the classroom for many years. It was only when I felt as if I could help teachers be better teachers and school leaders be better school leaders, that I felt truly fulfilled. So my motivation at BCHF is to help those people in leadership positions (in their buildings or in their classrooms) create better experiences for students.
What do you enjoy most about your role at BCHF?
I enjoy the travel and meeting all sorts of new people who have the same mission in their careers–helping students, especially in underserved populations, have a quality educational experience.
How do you define your “why”? Is there a particular moment that reinforced it?
My “why” is children/students. After I began teaching in an urban high school and heard my students’ stories, I knew that I would do whatever it took to help them become successful in their adult lives. A particular moment I just recently experienced was at a high school reunion to which I was invited. This was the Class of 1995 reunion, and I was invited as an honored teacher. One woman approached me and told me she was working on her PhD in political science and was currently working in Washington as a congressional liaison. She leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I went to college because you told me I should. No one else had ever said that to me.” The ironic thing is ….I couldn’t even remember her name or having had her in class. It really struck home that every word we say….and every word we don’t say could change their lives.
How do you reconnect with your “why” during tough times?
When I was a principal and sometimes mired in the negative aspects all day long, I’d sneak into the back of the music room and listen to the rehearsals–students and teachers doing something they loved. Then, I’d visit other classrooms and listen to the amazing teachers in my building and watch students engaged in lessons. It reminded me that the positive, wonderful things happening were much more apparent than the few negative people or events occurring. So, now, I do the same thing…I take a step back and look at my blessings, remind myself why I’m doing what I’m doing, and move forward.
How do you hope to continue growing in your role?
I have so much more to learn, I don’t even know where to start. There is always something new to read, a new study to study, a new podcast to listen to—it’s never ending.
What is a quote or mantra you live by?
“In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less.” – Lee Iacocca
Who inspires you in your work?
I am constantly inspired by the school leaders with whom I interact. Their passion, their knowledge, and their real desire to help every child inspires me. Our School Improvement team inspires me–I always wish we had more time together to plan, discuss, and learn from each other.
Who are you outside of work?
I love to travel and am not happy unless I have something “touristy” to look forward to. My family calls me their personal travel agent because I also love to plan vacations for other people. Until recently, I was heavily involved in the dance team world, judging contests, running competitions, and summer camps. Since I started on that career in 1974, I choreographed 3 Hula Bowl; 1 Peach Bowl; and 9 Citrus Bowl halftime shows and had groups who appeared in the Cotton Bowl; Rose Bowl; and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mindy’s story is a powerful reminder that the influence of an educator often extends far beyond the classroom or school building. Her commitment to students, teachers, and school leaders continues to shape meaningful educational experiences and lasting outcomes. We’re grateful for the passion and perspective she brings to our work and are proud to share her “why.”