BubbleUp Take10 with Lenny Compton -- Inspire, Support, and Positively Influence Generations!

In today's BubbleUp Take10, we are thrilled to feature our friend and former colleague, Lenny Compton.  Lenny is the proud Principal of Simpson Middle School in Loudon County, Virginia. Lenny's philosophy that teachers, administrators, librarians, and every adult who works in a school should have a singular focus  -- to do what's best for kids -- makes him an incredibly effective leader. He doesn't just talk the talk. He walks the walk. So take ten minutes and get to know, Lenny.  He always inspired us to do our best work. We know he'll inspire you too. 

Lenny Compton
Job: Principal
Years in Education:  12th year (2nd year as principal, 5 years as an assistant principal, 5 years of classroom teaching)
Location: Simpson Middle School, Leesburg, VA (Loudon County Public Schools)

1. ​Why education?
​Why not education? What other profession has such a significant impact on the future and the present? Besides my parents, grandmother, and a few neighbors, educators made the most indelible impact on my life. We inspire, support, and positively influence generations!

2. ​What is your education mantra?
​Borrowed from Paul Pack: "99% of being a principal is using common sense and trusting really talented people."

3. ​What is your morning routine?
​I try to have an hour to myself. I read something inspirational to start my day, then write down my goals (and check the ones that I'd hoped to accomplish the previous day). Then I walk the building to connect with my team (APs, Deans, and Counselors) to see how I can help them. After that, I touch base with front office staff to see what support they need. Beyond that, it should be time for the students to arrive.

4. What is your favorite lesson of all time?
I worked with students from my hometown during the summer of 2009, and we read "Notes of Native Son" by James Baldwin. My students had to pre-write a letter to their fathers before we read it. After we read the short story, students had to re-write their letters. I've never seen such a transformation in my life. Many of the letters brought me to tears because the many of the students gained such an amazing perspective. ​

5. If you could change one thing about school's what would it be and why? 
I would want to incorporate more trips to experience real life. School should not be considered the only place to learn. The world is where we learn, so we should go into the world (our local areas) and learn more about it. ​

6. What three words would you use to describe your day as an educator?
Unpredictable; curious; rewarding.

7. What's one education related hack that you can offer to our readers?
I am still learning how to hack education!

8. What's one piece of advice you would give to new educators?
​Connect with other educators! A good way to do that is through your PLN -- personal learning network. Their is such a wealth of information and resources available to you. Don't try to do it alone! 
(BubbleUp Classroom Note: You can connect with Lenny on Twitter @ldacompton!)

9. What do you hope students and colleagues will say about you one day at your retirement party?
They could trust me to give them an honest answer, and that they always felt unconditionally supported to pursue their passions. ​

10. What are you reading, watching, listening to, or following these days? ​
I'm listening to Serial, the podcast -- this season is quite thought provoking. And it gives my mind a break from thinking about school.

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You might also like:

• Librarians: Build Your Brand (May 23, 2017)
• BubbleUp Take5: Ideas for Administrators (June 17, 2016)