Dr. Terri Pfister Soos, 37

Occupation: Educator, Principal at Seminole Springs Elementary, Eustis

What I do: As a principal, I am responsible for all of the ins-and-outs of running the school safely and efficiently and to support our district’s mission of providing all students with individual opportunities to excel.

How I got started: When starting college, I was not originally pursuing the field of education, but that changed! During my junior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to build a school in a secluded mountain village. After my first year of college, I went back to that same village for another mission trip. In only two short years, I could see the incredible impact the school we built had on their community and it was after that return trip that I decided to change my major to elementary education. It was beautiful to see how the school and having access to an education brought hope to their community. I knew I wanted to continue to bring that hope and those opportunities to children within my own community. I graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and began teaching in 2010. I eventually went on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees in educational leadership and policy studies from Florida State University. I’ve taught 3rd and 4th Grade, was a curriculum resource teacher, instructional dean, assistant principal, and am now in my third year of being an elementary principal.

I am passionate about being a principal because: I believe that education is vital to providing hope for our future. I want every child to have access to a high-quality education so that he or she can be prepared for any opportunity, experience success and ultimately become a contributing member of society.

My biggest professional accomplishment: I am very proud to be a principal in Lake County Schools. In this position, I have greater capacity to serve the students, teachers and staff and families in our greater community.

When I’m not on campus: I love spending time with family and friends, traveling, sipping on a good cup of coffee and enjoying our beautiful state while walking, running or kayaking.

My first job: The Bath & Body Works in The Villages and at the Lake Square Mall. I worked there for about seven years total, and I sometimes miss working there during the magic of the holiday season!

My local mentors: Lake County Schools has some absolutely incredible leaders that I lean on and look up to. Our superintendent, my regional director and my fellow principals set a strong example of leading with heart and keeping students at the center of every decision, and I am so thankful that I have an opportunity to learn from them every day.

The best advice I’ve received: My dad has always shared great words of wisdom with me, and one piece of advice that sticks with me is his reminder that, “It doesn’t matter where you start, it’s where you finish.” I’ve kept this in mind throughout my life to keep me motivated, not to get discouraged with setbacks or when I am faced with barriers, and to keep sight of my goals.

Fun fact: As someone who typically likes to plan everything out and be in control of a situation, I think most people are surprised that I have a bit of an adventurous side and love a good challenge! Whether it be stepping completely out of my comfort zone and setting out to win the Mirror Ball Trophy at Stepping Out for Education, running in a marathon, becoming a safe school officer, jumping out of a plane (I think once was enough!), crossing a National Park off my bucket list or planning a trip to somewhere new on a whim — sign me up!

If I had a million dollars to give away: I would put it back into our schools here in Lake County, especially to support our early learning programs. Early literacy opportunities are so vital to the success of a person long-term, both academically and as a contributing member of our society. The additional funding could be used to increase community outreach and recruitment to provide more information to parents to encourage enrollment in VPK programs and to support the district in expanding those programs across our elementary campuses. My goal would be for every four-year-old to attend an early learning program prior to starting kindergarten.

Life after 40: As of right now, I just want to continue down the path I am on. I love learning, so I wouldn’t rule out going back to school eventually for another degree or certification. But I see myself continuing to work in Lake County Schools at the school or district level until I retire.