35 under 35
Katelyn Hoffman Lustig, M.Ed. Theta Iota - Western Carolina University
Principal, Union County Public Schools
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
I have worked in elementary education for 12 years. I live in North Carolina with my husband, Dylan, and together we have two children, Jackson is four years old and Eleanor is three months.
Growing up in New Hampshire, I always knew I wanted to become a teacher, just like my grandmother. This desire only grew during my years in elementary school, where I struggled with reading and was diagnosed with a learning disability. With this, I received additional support from Mrs. Moore, who was an exceptional person and the first teacher to truly inspire me. I eventually exited the program in middle school and I owe it to Mrs. Moore, who was there for me from the start and taught me about the profound impact a teacher can have on a child.
My career in education has been an exciting journey. In my five years as a third-grade teacher, I had the honor of being our teacher of the year and was named a Fox 46 Teacher Getting Results. I decided I wanted to pursue a role in administration and received my master’s degree in educational leadership in 2017. I spent one year as an instructional coach before earning an assistant principalship at Indian Trail Elementary School, the same school that I am now the principal of.
I love my job, and I love being a mother and wife. I have experienced firsthand the power of education and the positive influence an educator can have on a student. Now, I strive to inspire my school community, just as I was inspired.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
When I was a third-grade teacher, my principal, Dr. Rodgers, was one of the first people who saw potential in me as a leader, even when I wasn’t fully aware of it myself. She constantly pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and assume leadership roles. She had me leading professional development sessions for my peers, sharing my ideas in staff meetings and taking on new roles like grade level chair. Her encouragement helped me grow, not only as an educator, but also as a person. Her belief in my abilities had a lasting impact on my confidence and my approach to leadership. She is still someone I look up to and seek advice from. If I ever come upon a difficult situation, I often ask myself, “What would Dr. Rodgers do?”
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
I discovered my passion for teaching when I was a child. I have vivid memories of visiting my nanny’s house, where I would watch her grade papers and listen to stories about her students. As a kid, I loved playing school and often found myself daydreaming about how I would one day set up my own classroom. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for education and leadership. As my career has progressed, I’ve discovered a new love: leading and developing others.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I strive to be a servant leader who prioritizes the well being and development of staff and students so they can grow and succeed. To me, being generous as a principal means collaborating with others, giving back to my community and leading with kindness. I actively strive to give my staff and each child in my building the time and attention they deserve. Similarly, our school is an important part of our community. I enjoy collaborating with my community leaders and attending events to represent our school. As I look five, 10 and 15 years down the road, I hope to foster a school community that prioritizes the well-being of each member. A strong, symbiotic community is foundational to high student achievement, and it all starts with us as school leaders giving it everything we’ve got.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
Outside of my immediate family and a few great mentors in my professional life, my Delta Zeta sisters have been my entire support system. Though we may be separated by distance or in different chapters of life, we are all connected by a bond that has proven unbreakable — my sisters are my rock. I recently came across a quote about having a few precious “golden friends,” those rare people who truly understand and see you, and will stand by you through all of life’s ups and downs. It immediately made me think of my Delta Zeta sisters. The connections I’ve made through Delta Zeta have proven to be some of the most meaningful in my life, and I know they will each play a role in the lives of my children, too. I am so grateful for each of them and for the legacy of friendship that was enabled by Delta Zeta.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
As a young assistant principal, I was comfortable in my role. I was hesitant to consider a principalship, especially as my husband and I were already stretched thin at home with a new baby. My principal at the time, Dr. Chisum, pushed me to learn new things and reach new heights, even though it felt uncomfortable for me. She empowered me to take on responsibilities that are typically handled by the principal. She expressed her belief in me and elevated me to become a leader our staff could rely on. When she took on a new role within the district, it was her empowerment that made my transition to principal manageable. She inspired the confidence in me to accomplish more, faster. It was her empowerment that helped me succeed. To me, empowerment can take on many forms but it starts with someone who cares enough to give you the gentle nudge you need to assume responsibility. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are elevated into a leadership position, but rather that you are led to believe that you are a leader.
As a principal, I have the honor of coaching dozens of teachers, support staff, and other administrators, through a continuous process of support, growth and trust. During our coaching conversations, I recognize each person’s strengths and seek out opportunities to build upon those instead of belaboring over their weaknesses. If I can create a space where each person feels like the expert that they are, I can then convince them that they have limitless potential. I empower teachers to be creative and find ways to lead. I empower office staff to think outside the box on how we support students and families, and interact with our community. I empower my assistant principal to own key decisions and step in to provide direction on complex issues. And, although sometimes frustrating, I empower my husband to do the dishes and pick up his clothes from the floor next to our bed!
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
First and foremost, I value every person and treat them with kindness, from students and staff to the board of education members and the mayor of Indian Trail (who spent a day with me during our districts ”Principal For A Day” initiative). How you make people feel is the foundation for creating a healthy environment for people to learn, work and play. By establishing a positive school culture, we can have tough conversations without worrying about hurt feelings. We can learn to genuinely appreciate what each person brings to the table, and forgive and forget when things don’t go according to plan — because, after all, we’re all still learning and growing in our own ways.
As a staff and team, we’ve created a sense of belonging through mutual respect, collaboration, high expectations and personal growth. I’ve carried that with me in my personal life, aspiring to be a mom and wife who makes everyone feel loved and valued. We’re all in this together, so we might as well find a way to positively contribute.