Celebrating National Principals Month: Debbie Ritter of Knox ES STEM Academy!

October is National Principals Month! Our Principals are amazing instructional leaders dedicated to ensuring our students learn more, grow more, and achieve more in our classrooms than they could anywhere else!  We’re recognizing these inspiring leaders with special posts throughout the month. Please join us in thanking them for all they do to support our mission of being the highest performing school district in Georgia.

Knox ES STEM Academy Principal Debbie Ritter

Why did you want to become a teacher?
I wanted to become a teacher because I believed in the power of education to change lives.  As an undergraduate in college, I also majored in criminology and criminal justice.  I saw firsthand through my experiences in the judicial system how a caring and committed teacher could open doors for students, not just academically but emotionally and socially.  I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else — someone who could create a safe, engaging environment where every child felt seen, heard, and challenged to grow.

Who was the most influential teacher in your life?
The most influential teacher in my life was my mom (retired teacher of 41 years).  I was lucky enough to get a front row seat to how she interacted with students, when I was in her first-grade math class.  She had this incredible way of making every student feel valued, regardless of where they started.  Her patience, high expectations, and genuine belief in all students’ potential stayed with me — and still influence the way I lead today.  To this day, I still seek advice or thoughts on certain school related situations.

What’s a favorite memory from your first year as a teacher?
I taught fourth grade in an inner-city school, where many of my students faced daily challenges far beyond their years.  Early on, it was tough — some students were guarded, others skeptical, and I sometimes questioned if I was connecting or reaching them. 

One day, about mid-year, I was leading a read-aloud of a book that really resonated with the class. I paused to ask a question, and one of my quietest students — who had barely spoken since the beginning of the year — raised his hand to share.  Not only did they participate, but they opened up about a personal connection to the story.  The room got quiet, respectful.  Other students followed, and suddenly we weren’t just reading a book — we were connecting as a classroom community.

That moment was a turning point.  It reminded me that teaching isn’t just about curriculum — it’s about relationships, trust, and creating a space where every student feels safe to be themselves.  That’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever.

How did teaching prepare you to be a Principal?
Being a teacher taught me how to differentiate instruction, manage a classroom, build relationships with families, and support students with diverse academic and emotional needs.  More importantly, it's taught me how crucial it is to create a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment — and how leadership plays a major role in making that possible schoolwide.

Through teaching and serving under numerous leadership styles, I’ve also developed the ability to listen deeply, lead with empathy, and make decisions with both compassion and accountability.  I’ve seen how strong leadership can empower teachers and transform student outcomes, and I hope to bring that perspective into my Principal role — where I can support not just one classroom, but an entire school community.

#CCSDElevateTheExcellence #ThankAPrincipal