Meet the Principal-Barb Walton
Barbara Walton came to the Issaquah School District in 1999. Before coming to Issaquah, she was a principal, assistant principal, and teacher in the Highline School District.
Mrs. Walton’s experiences and qualifications are deep and varied. She was a teacher of teachers in an official role as Staff Development Specialist in Highline. Those fortunate enough to be on her staff today know that teaching and mentoring are among her core qualities. As a school’s instructional leader, Walton organizes book studies, materials review, topic discussions, and whole school training sessions to foster the very best instruction for students.
She once taught special education students and was in charge of early childhood education programs. Walton’s Bachelor of Education is from the University of Washington as is her Masters of Education Administration.
The most vivid examples of Walton’s capabilities as an education leader and relationship builder come from those who work with her and from her students. In 2002 she was the recipient of the Issaquah School District’s Catalyst Award – a recognition given to those whose positive influence is felt district-wide. Catalyst Award winners are honored especially for leadership. As Superintendent Janet Barry says of the award, “As District employees, we are not only moved to better performance, but we understand more, work in new ways, and achieve truly different results because these colleagues work among us and influence what we do.” Catalyst awardees are administrators and/or non-administrators nominated by co-workers and selected by the superintendent.
Among the praises of Walton in her Catalyst nomination were comments such as:
- Each Wednesday, she eats lunches with Kind Kids, and she sends personal postcards to each of their homes.
- Even when discipline is necessary, Barb earns respect and builds bonds with students because she uses Love and Logic. Rather than feeling “bad” about discipline experiences, students understand that there are natural consequences to the choices they make about what they do or say. Good choices mean good consequences; bad choices mean unpleasant consequences.
- She encourages teachers to become leaders, to take risks and to think out of the box. By allowing all staff to use their talents, our team is stronger than it would be if Barb were a top-down leader.
- Barb’s inclusive leadership, her clear vision, and focus on what is best for kids and teachers radiates through our school and beyond. The staff is clearly aware of Barb as a catalyst. The rest are pleased to acknowledge that her achievements at one school radiate outward to inspire and foster positive change in all Issaquah schools.