Q + A: Assistant Principal Joni McGinnis
October 17, 2013
Joni McGinnis has wanted to become a teacher ever since she was in the seventh grade. She always felt good inside when she taught something to her classmates that they did not quite understand. She worked her way from teaching to becoming an assistant principal.
What was your favorite high school memory? “My favorite high school memories were the ones that I had with my cross country team. We would always be laughing, having fun, and I made a lot of new friends.”
What did you want to do after high school? “I have known since the seventh grade that I wanted to become a teacher. I taught at Monte Vista for eight years as a Core teacher, and I have been involved with Tracy High for the past 11 years.”
What is one piece of advice that you would give to high school seniors? “Enjoy this year and make it fun by attending senior activities, but make sure that you keep up with your academics, so that you can be on track for graduation.”
What do you love most about your job? “I enjoy working with kids and making a difference.”
What are your hobbies? “I love dirt-biking with my family. Also, I really enjoy scrapbooking various events about my children.”
What is your favorite movie? “My favorite movie is, ‘White Christmas,’ with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. This movie always makes me feel really happy when I watch it.”
What is your favorite type of food? “My favorite types of food are Americano and Mexican. My favorite food items are a simple grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Also, my favorite place to eat out at is Corner Café, located in Oakdale.”
What is the most difficult part of your job? “As an assistant principal and mother of two children, the hardest part of my job is when I have to call parents because they are already very busy. I do not like stressing them out even more, but I have to do it in order to get important messages across.”
What is your favorite place to go on a day trip? “My favorite place to go to is the mountains that are near Sonora, they are right by a ski resort named Dodge Ridge.”
Where did you go to college? “First, I went to Modesto Junior College and got my associates in liberal studies. Then I went to San Diego State University and got a bachelor’s degree, and I got my teaching credentials at Stanislaus State University. After that, I got a master’s degree in educational management from the University of La Verne.”
Do you have a bucket list? “I really want to drive a car in a Demolition Derby and my goal is to take my two children to all 50 states by the time that they are 18 years old. We have visited 22 states already. Also, I want to get my husband to travel out of country.”
If you could change something about education, what would it be? “I believe that there needs to be more flexibility in the education system because every student learns in a different way. This way, there can be more successful students.”
Do you have a favorite quote? “My favorite quote is: ‘I feel the need, the need for speed,’ by Maverick from the film, ‘Top Gun’.”
