Spotlight

Tracy Streeter, Superintendent of the Hamburg School District, says, “I think my co-workers would describe me as humble, hardworking, fair, honest, dedicated, having high expectations, loves students and is always there to support them, willing to work beside any staff member and not over them .”

Tracy Streeter started her career in education as a long-term substitute in the spring of 1994 with an emotionally disturbed child at Wilmot Elementary. She was hired in the fall of 1994 for the Hamburg School District as a 6th grade teacher. Five years later, she taught a pre-first class, where she was responsible for catching students up, teaching them to read and get them ready for first grade, and then taught 4th grade for three years, preparing students for the Benchmark test and life. Her teaching career was in the Hamburg School District, and she loved every day she taught. Ms. Streeter then transitioned to the position of elementary principal for grades Pre-K through 5th grade, a position she held for 11 years. What started as a tough job became so rewarding. In her opinion, this was the best of both worlds as she could be with students every day while also nurturing adults and helping them become the best teachers they could be. Tracy has served as federal programs coordinator, special programs coordinator, school improvement specialist, financial director, and child nutrition director, all for the Hamburg School District. She then served one year as assistant superintendent for the Star City School District but then moved back to the Hamburg School District, where she has served as superintendent for the last four years. Each job has given her more knowledge and a greater understanding of school business. Each has been a positive learning experience to prepare her for the position she holds today. If she weren't in her current role, she would most likely be a Pre-K director or a flea market junky.

Although Tracy was not that child who always wanted to be a teacher, she was that child who loved school. She never wanted to miss, not even when sick, and she loved being involved. Ms. Streeter started college majoring in psychology but quickly changed her major. From her first day in Dr. Jones' Arts and Craft class until now---she has been hooked and cannot imagine doing anything else. During her first year as building principal, she mourned for the classroom because she missed the one-on-one time with students. She never aspired to be a superintendent but feels God chose that path for her. Her attitude is that if He leads you to it, He will lead you through it. Tracy feels blessed to have worked with such a great team of educators for the last 27 years.

Tracy's favorite part of her job is going to the high school during lunch and visiting with students, being at an extracurricular activity, watching students compete, being in a kindergarten room and seeing kids excited about learning. The teamwork with adults is rewarding as she watches them get excited about kids. Being in a leadership meeting and reviewing data, problem-solving with building principals that are seeing progress, and seeing hard work pay off is certainly a highlight. Relationships are the best part. Even with the job's stress, she said she still plans to be making a difference five years from now. It's hard to give up something you love so deeply.

The most challenging part of the job is balance; it is hard to be everything to everybody 365 days a year. There are days when there are five things going at once, and you feel smothered.

The guilt of not being available to support our staff and students, the daily pull, and the endless to-do list are areas in which she struggles. It is also hard to watch people you love go through hard times. Making time for self-care and time to refuel is always hard. Of course, where people are her favorite part of the job, they can also be stressful.

When Tracy thinks about what she has done that she is most proud of, she has to include her 27-year marriage to her amazing husband, David, and her two sons, William and Drake, that are independent thinkers. She also has a grandson, Barrett, who is three.

Professionally, she is most proud of working her way through the ranks and different departments in the district to understand better all the aspects of being an education leader. Ms. Streeter is also proud that she has a team of administrators willing to follow her to the end of the earth if it helps a child.

When asked what other administrators might find surprising about her, she states that she is a very competitive person and can have a temper when passionate about something. She usually falls asleep the minute her head hits the pillow! The most daring thing she has ever done is deciding in five minutes to fly to Paris without even having a hotel reservation and then climbing the Eiffel Tower with her husband on their 25th wedding anniversary. Taking the position of superintendent has been the most daring thing she has done professionally.

“The best advice I have ever received is, ‘You are no better to be disappointed than anyone else. It builds character and it is all in how you handle those disappointments that makes you a better person. Surround yourself with smart people that are hardworking and loyal. Be patient, do not react, pray about everything - BE STILL.’” Tracy Streeter

What’s something that amazes you? "God’s grace and mercy. Children can overcome so many obstacles when given the opportunities to do so."

What do you enjoy doing during your time off? "Spending time with my family, reading a book on the beach, flipping houses with my husband, interior decorating, shopping, and painting."

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?” "To meet Derek Jeter"

What are the goals you are still working toward? "1. An equitable education for all children through our public school system despite where students live. 2. A birth to 2-year-old option for our Pre-K. 3. Provide more of a variety of skills and career paths for our students"

What do you see as the biggest benefits of AAEA membership? "The collaboration is like nothing I have ever experienced. Everyone is so willing to help each other out. Information is at your fingertips. The staff at AAEA is supportive and helpful. The members are there for the common platform of creating better public schools and better pathways for children."