As the Principal of a public elementary school, Zac Bauermaster’s job is to inspire and empower his teachers, support staff, families, and—most importantly— the next generation every single day.
God has given us all gifts, talents and abilities. Zac feels it’s up to him to make sure his staff and teachers use their gifts to bring out the best in their students.
Zac’s approach to being a Principal was really shaped when he and his wife walked their oldest daughter to the bus stop for her first day of kindergarten.
“Her backpack was bigger than she was. I cried walking home with my wife, and I remember thinking, ‘we are sending the school our very best; we need our school to give her their very best.’”
In order to do this in his elementary school, it’s his calling to create an encouraging school environment where adults want to work, kids are excited to learn, and families trust and are proud to send their children.
He wants kids to be excited to be at school. He wants them to know him and see that he cares. Between classes, you’ll usually find Zac giving high fives and fist bumping students. He feels that the hallways in his school are for relationship building.
But Zac is not just a rah-rah guy. He likes to go deep with people. He wants them to know that he’s walking alongside them.
The primary way he does this is by trying to reflect Jesus in how he lives and leads.
“I love Jesus,” says Zac. “I was fortunate to grow up in a home where my parents followed the Lord. There hasn’t been a day in my life when I didn’t know Him. Jesus is the Light of the World, and even though I often fall short, I try to illuminate and reflect His light every day. I want to be an ambassador for Christ in everything I do. And that’s something I try to live out at my school.”
Zac doesn’t go through the hallway quoting Scripture; he can’t do that in a public school. But he tries to live out his faith, not just talk about it. Zac feels we all need to be doers of The Word.
Zac’s philosophy is built on biblical principles.
“When we recognize that it’s God we are leading with and for, we can see differently, and we can lead differently. Only God can strengthen us to be His hands and feet, serving as salt and light to those we lead. When we align our hearts with God’s heart, there is no limit to the transformation that can take place across our homes, families, schools, businesses, and organizations.”
Zac feels the world is desperate for encouragement. And it’s not just about the big moments. People tell him all the time there was one little moment or one person that really made a difference in their lives. Sadly, others say their life may have been different if they would have gotten those words of encouragement or that one fist bump at that certain time.
As leaders, Zac feels that it’s time for us to quit living distracted lives and focus on what truly matters: people.
“I truly believe leaders must lead with a heart for people. A heart that prioritizes and empathizes with people. A heart that observes their needs and responds compassionately. A heart that prays for and with people. A heart that loves and encourages people.”
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