If you want a glimpse into the world of education, just ask Betty McIlvain, Ed.D. She was on thebrfrontlines for more than 40 years, most recently as principal of Walnut Grove Elementary Schoolbr(WGES). As the Dragons gear up for summer break, we invited Dr. McIlvain, who retired lastbrsemester, to reflect on her career and her time in Carroll ISD.
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Q: How has education evolved overbrthe decades?
A: Changes in education over the last 40bryears have proven excitingly revolutionary.brMany learning opportunities are availablebronline for teachers and learners. Parentsbrcan help their children access thesebropportunities at home as never before.br
Q: How have students evolved?
A: Students now have opportunities tobrbecome more resilient and reflectivebrlearners. They can interactively engage inbrmeaningful academic and personal growth.br
Q: From your perspective, what makesbrCarroll ISD different from others?
A: Carroll ISD is distinctive in the systemicbrapproach taken to capturing excellence
in achievement. The ownership for thisbrapproach starts with our amazing students,brbut extends to teachers and administrators,brand is supported community-wide atbrunprecedented levels.br
Q: What was one of your proudestbrmoments as a Dragon?
A: My “Dragon pride” moments includebrcelebrating the enrichment of learningbrachievement levels at Durham Elementarybrand Walnut Grove Elementary School,
and the pervasive TEAMWORK WORKSbrphilosophy uniquely tied to those moments.br
Q: What advice would you give educators?
A: Be like a duck. Stay calm and unruffledbron the surface, but paddle with every bit ofbrenergy you have underneath.
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Q: What did you enjoy most about the Dragonbrcommunity?
A: Carroll ISD is a resilient place. We capturebrthe tasks that are difficult, but not impossible.brOne example of our supportive community isbrthe school safety provision for School ResourcebrOfficers.br
Q: You’re half a year into your retirement.brWhat’s this new phase in life like?br
A: The retirement phase of living is very much abrtransition to more flexible frameworks of thinkingbrand subsequent forms of opportunity. It’s
joyous, but challenges you to be highly creative.brFortunately, creativity is on my side. In addition tobrmy philanthropy involvements, I also teach higherbreducation classes at a private university. Onebr
of my enduring professional roles has been as abrteacher/mentor to aspiring school administrators.br
Q: What do you miss most now that you'rebrretired?
A: I’ll always relish the close interaction withbrcolleagues, students and parents with whom I’vebrworked. I cherish the fine-tuned problem solvingbrassociated with providing optimum opportunitiesbrfor our students.br
Q: What did your time within Carroll ISD meanbrto you personally?
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A: My Carroll years embody the culmination of abr43-year career. “Reaching for the Stars throughbrDifficulties...Ad Astra per Aspera” is the mottobrof my beloved native state of Kansas—not that Ibrdidn’t arrive in Southlake as soon as I could.