#66 - Dr. Carmen Maring (Gull Lake Middle School, Michigan) - Growth is Not an Option - It's the Expectation
About this episode
Dr. Carmen Maring discusses the importance of creating systems for continuous growth in education at Gull Lake Middle School.
Growth Is Not an Option—It's the Expectation with Dr. Carmen Maring What happens when a school commits to creating systems where every student, every teacher, and every leader is expected to keep growing? In this episode of the Proud Principals Podcast, Tony Cattani welcomes Dr. Carmen Maring, Principal of Gull Lake Middle School in Richland, Michigan. Serving approximately 750 students in grades 6–8, Dr. Maring has built a culture centered on one unwavering belief: "Growth is not an option." Throughout this inspiring conversation, Carmen shares how intentional systems—not isolated initiatives—have transformed her school into a place where continuous improvement is simply part of the culture. From hiring exceptional educators to investing in meaningful professional learning, she explains how every decision is made with one goal in mind: growing learners while developing leaders. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why creating sustainable systems is more powerful than chasing new programs. How hiring for Hungry, Humble, and People Smart characteristics strengthens school culture. The impact of instructional coaching built on transparency, trust, and continuous feedback. Practical…
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