HIGH POINT, Mo. - Marilyn Maier's third-grade teacher in Fulton not only made the year enjoyable, but gave her a note saying she would make a great teacher.
From then on, the new High Point School Superintendent has not wavered in her pursuit of education.
"Nothing else even crossed my mind," Maier said.
At first, she thought she wanted to teach third grade. But her first year of teaching was with special education at Russellville schools.
That showed her how important it was for struggling students, in particular, to have support in the school.
"I realized my passion was working with at-risk kids," Maier said. Having someone tell you "you can do it" can make all the difference in the world."
She spent the next 13 years teaching math and science at Russellville Middle School.
Although her bachelor's degree from Truman State University, Kirksville, was in psychology and her master's in education, she said her father had prepared her to teach math.
"He only had a seventh-grade education, but he was the smartest man I knew," Maier said.
At her childhood dinner table, he would pose math problems for the family to solve as they ate, she said.
The science curriculum was more of a challenge for her, she admitted. But through mentors, research and professional development she continued to learn more.
Then, about three years ago, she set out on an 18-month journey to complete her specialist degree in education from William Woods University.
Through the Professional Learning Communities at Russellville schools, Maier said she saw how ideas came out of that process. She noted that the teacher made the decisions and then the administration supported it.
She expected the transition from instruction to administration might move at a modest pace.
Instead, she found her first administration job was as superintendent, beginning July 3.
As principal, she is an instructional leader as well as disciplinarian, when needed.
As superintendent, she manages the budget and keeping the building running and the liaison with the state department for compliance.
On top of that, Maier said building a rapport with the 89 students is a priority to her.
"I would much rather be able to hang out and eat lunch with them than seen them in my office," she said.
Maier admitted she has much to learn about the new job. But, it helps that the High Point school board has been supportive, she said.
Not only the school, but the community, has provided her and her children with a warm welcome, Maier said.
Her two oldest children - Maisie, fifth grade, and Alexander, second grade - moved to High Point this school year. As a parent, she said she is pleased with the one-on-one experience students receive at a smaller school.
She has been married to Gary for 12 years and they also have three-year-old Kordel.
"I'm excited to get up and come to work in the morning," Maier said.