David Hoffman began his new job as the principal at Island Park Elementary on July 1. He has spent the last nine years working in the Northshore School District in Bothell and Woodinville. Prior to that, he was a teacher and principal in the Issaquah School District.

Tell us about your background.

I taught for 10 years in the Issaquah School District. I taught first grade, second grade and fourth grade, so a little of them all. Then I did one year, again in Issaquah, and did my internship to be a principal. Then I moved on to Northshore for nine years; four years at Eastridge Elementary school and four years at Maywood Hills. Different kinds of schools — one was a Title 1 school, but both were great experiences. Last year I went to the central office and worked as the director of special programs, intervention programs, Title I, LAP (Learning Assistance Program), those kinds of things. Great learning experience, but I really missed the school, the kids and the community. Again, a great experience and I learned a lot, but I needed to get back to the school, start a new chapter in my life, and here I am.

What about Mercer Island spoke to you?

First of all it has a fantastic reputation and it’s a great school, with a supportive community and great kids. Really looking forward in terms of the 21st Century learning to prepare our kids to be college- and career-ready and then especially Island Park, which has the ELL program and special ed program that was really an interest to me. It felt like a good fit, especially in the interview process. They brought the candidates through the school, which I really enjoyed, and I felt very good about the whole thing. I’m very excited about it.

What are your favorite things about being a principal?

Every day is different, and it’s a great adventure. The fact is you are truly in a job where you are impacting people’s lives in a positive way, and you’re impacting the future. You just get that immediacy and the urgency, and you laugh a lot. The kids are great. Also, working with staff and parents who want to do what’s right for the students. I’ve never regretted coming to school ever, which is hard for some people to say about their jobs.

What is something people might not know about your job?

I think that the job of the principal has changed a lot, even since I’ve been in the field. I think we’re expected to be more than just a manager — that we are the instructional leader in our schools. One of the things that I love to do [is] to get into the classrooms to learn with the teachers — it’s not just about evaluating, but getting in there and trying to do things with the teachers. Really understanding instruction and curriculum to help kids learn. I try not to be in my office too much because it’s happening in the classrooms.

What are the challenges right now for schools?

This is an exciting time right now to be in this business. Whether it’s technology, we have new common core standards coming through. A new generation of science standards. Kids are different — they know so much and are so savvy with technology, and yet we still have to prepare them for things like math and science. School and education are always changing. It’s a vibrant environment.

What is a typical day like?

I don’t know that there is such a thing as a typical day. I know for me, in my typical day, I like to be very visible, I like to be out there greeting the kids in the morning and checking on how they are doing and talking with staff members. I like to spend a big part of my day in the classroom so I can see what is going on and support teachers and to get to know the kids. And then you’re always available to meet with families. It’s just a very fast day, and there’s lots to do at the district level. It depends on the time of year.

What do you like to do outside of school?

There’s not a lot of outside-of-school time, believe it or not. I love to be outdoors, I love music and collecting music. I play piano and I’m an avid reader. Trying to keep up with what the kids are reading, especially, and their culture.

What about this age group resonated with you?

Kids have such a thirst for learning, and I just think it’s the time when you can be a great role model about compassion and learning and about reading. You can model great writing — I love that idea that you can be a role model in all those aspects and setting that foundation to send them on their way to being passionate about learning.

Anything else?

I know this is a really supportive community, and this is a partnership. We have to do this together. I can feel it already — people have been very supportive. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and honoring the great traditions at this school and starting some new ones. People can stop by and say hello, especially in August.