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2007 National Secondary Assistant Principal of the YearPatti Buschjost
EdLife 07 Alumni Spotlight
Don’t gawk if Patti Buschjost’s staff basks on a sunny island during a development meeting or sets off on an archeological dig before penning curriculum strategies. It’s all part of the innovative, people-focused career that earned the Loveland High School senior principal the 2007 National Assistant Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals.The Missouri native, who graduated from MU in ’71 with a bachelor’s degree in education; in ’85 with a Master of Public Administration; and in ’93 with an Educational Specialist degree in administration, regularly uses clever incentives such as beach adventures to build staff morale.
The beach getaway was a daytrip to a nearby island in a lake, and the teachers went on an archeological dig the year before at a ranch. It’s all about having fun along the way, Buschjost says, and it works. Loveland High School has met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmarks, as determined by the state, two years in a row. As a result, Loveland became the only institution in Colorado to be lifted from the No Child Left Behind watch-list.
“I try to empower teachers to do great things,” she says. “I think that’s what set me apart. I’m able to inspire a vision for success in a positive way. We made it the responsibility of all building staff to meet AYP. Everybody takes responsibility; I think I inspired that vision and encouraged people’s hearts through teambuilding exercises and a creating sense of community.”
Buschjost’s flair for the ingenious dates back to her days as principal at Blair Oaks High School in Jefferson City, Mo., where she raffled off small gifts at staff meetings.
“She never went to a faculty meeting without her gift box, where she would draw out names,” said Gary Verslues, who was a math teacher at Blair Oaks High School when Buschjost was the principal. “In this profession it doesn’t take much to get you excited. We might just win a pad of paper; it didn’t matter. To get your name pulled was always something. She did a great job of making people feel appreciated for their work.
“It’s hard to create a feeling in others that shows what they do is important and that they’re very good at it,” he said. “She really promoted others’ work and recognized the staff and students for their positive contributions.”
Buschjost also demonstrated her creativity as a graduate student, said Jerry Valentine, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, who taught Buschjost in the ’80s.
“When she studied an administrative topic, she always put the kids first instead of herself,” Valentine said. “She was always creative with ideas and always asked good questions about the issues.”
While at MU, Buschjost built her student-centered philosophy on ideals learned in the classroom. It all boils down to a five-step process, she said: inspire shared vision, challenge the process, encourage the heart, model the way and enable others to act.
“The school administration program at MU is outstanding,” she said. “Its quality is amazing, and I have always stuck to the principles I’ve learned at MU. I think the quality of the program is reflected in my work.”
Patti would love to hear from former classmates. Feel free to contact her at buschjostp@thompson.12.co.us