By: Marlia Nash
Brian Sackett is an assistant principal at Howard High School in Ellicott City, Maryland. As an administrator, it has often been presumed that Brian is out of the loop with the young community and is purely a supervisor. He even mentioned at one point, “ Everyone thinks that I find pleasure in giving punishment like detention or referrals but consequences are consequences.” But, upon discussion, it had been discovered that he wishes for more than being a supervisor who supervises when it is necessary like disciplinary actions. Focusing on him, the goal was to emphasize his goals and dreams during his youth as he was once a kid, too. In high school, Brian was well-rounded and grew up in a stable, supportive community. Growing up in a humorous household shaped him to become a jokestar with a big heart. Brian played the trumpet and participated in musical theater in high school, balancing both of those passions while remaining stable in academics. Moving onto college, he found outlets for his love of musical theater by playing piano for elementary school theater shows over multiple summers. He says that this charitable experience helped him understand that he truly had a passion for helping young people and shaping them to be great. Brian taught English at Atholton High School for seven years and discovered that his passion was truly just teaching children in general. But after those seven years and upon finishing his Master’s degree in Administration, he discovered that it does not take a brain to be a great teacher, it only takes a heart. “Education had always been apart of my goal,” Sackett says, “I realized after teaching English that I could actually teach any subject [after receiving Admin. Degree].” Brian believes that good education comes from good people. One thing I noticed was that, not once did Brian mention his paycheck and how his job has kept him on his feet or vice versa. He always focused on the students throughout the duration of the conversation. Upon closing our conversation, I asked Brian one final question: Happiness can often be derived from one special thing that you may look forward to everyday; do you mind sharing what it is that you look forward to everyday? Brian replied, “I look forward to making a student smile.”
Marlia's Connection
I ultimately connected with Mr. Sackett through our shared passion for music and working with other people. He always remained connected to education when it concerns his career or ultimate goals and I also share that connection through my passion for music education.
