Principal Profile

Mar 9, 2010 — Goshen News

John Kline

Mar. 9, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Yvonne Buller, 48, is principal at York Elementary School, 13549 Ind. 120, Bristol, part of the Middlebury School District.

A 1979 graduate of Northridge High School, Buller chose to continue her education at Manchester College where she earned a bachelor of science degree in social work in 1983.

"It wasn't until I had children of my own that I realized I was meant to work in education," Buller said. "I went back to school, this time at Indiana University South Bend to obtain an elementary teaching certificate in 2000."

Buller began her teaching career in 2000 teaching first and third grades at West Goshen Elementary School.

"During that time my administrator, some co-workers and even some parents of students encouraged me to consider administration," Buller said. "I went on to receive both my master's and administrative license from Indiana Wesleyan University."

In 2006, Buller would accept her current position as principal at York Elementary School.

"Having grown up in Middlebury, I couldn't help but feel the urge to apply," Buller said. "When I received the call to come to York, I was thrilled at the prospect of 'coming home' to the school district where I grew up.

"My family is still a part of the Middlebury community, so I hadn't really wandered that far, but I have enjoyed reconnecting with the community and many old friends," she said.

Buller currently lives in Goshen with her husband, John. They have two sons, Brandon and Justin.

Below is a list of questions recently answered by Buller regarding education, her school, and her teaching philosophy.

Q: What is your philosophy or mission statement when it comes to education?

A: I am a partner in education with my students, families, and staff. My position is one of service. Together we will ensure that our children become the best they can be and my goal is to assist in making that happen.

Q: Why do you think it's important for parents and community members to take an interest in their local schools?

A: We need each other. If schools, families and community members work together, we communicate to children that learning is important.

Q: Looking back over the years since you started in education, would you say the educational system has changed much?

A: We are constantly learning more about how students learn through brain research, so we are always striving to improve our instruction. Educators are shifting their thinking about teaching and learning. We spend six hours a day teaching, but what really counts is whether the students are learning. I think a big change in education is that teachers are working together more, analyzing data, and assuring that students are learning.

Q: Looking forward, what are some of the bigger challenges currently facing your school?

A: We are being challenged to do more with less. There are state and national academic standards that are becoming more rigorous. We are being asked by the state to make sure that all our students are achieving at high levels. That is good. The challenge comes in all that we want to do to make that happen on shrinking budgets. It is a difficult task, but we will do whatever we need to in order for our students to succeed.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0427-42721720