Heidi Paul- Principal Timberline Middle School

Brief Background:
I was raised in Issaquah, Washington and grew up loving all sports! I attended University of Montana (Go GRIZ!) where I received my bachelor’s degree in education and developed a deep passion for students and the learning process. After marrying my high school sweet heart in 1999, I moved back to Washington and began my teaching career in the Lake Washington School District. For 12 years at Inglewood Junior High, I enjoyed teaching all subjects including math, science, history, developmental health, and Language Arts. My administrative career began in 2011 at Bell Elementary School where I served as principal for 7 years. In 2018, I was selected as the planning principal of Timberline Middle School. Having acquired professional experience from both elementary and middle school levels, I have developed a unique lens of the student and parent experience. Because of this, I believe it is essential to support meaningful professional growth of teachers and partner with the parent community so that, together, we can nurture inclusive and equitable experiences for all students. Currently, my husband and I enjoy our home in Snoqualmie as we navigate parenthood with two daughters in college.

Philosophy and School Vision:
At Timberline Middle School, I continue to have one primary focus: “The success of every student matters.”

Whether a student is high performing or struggling to meet grade level standards, I am committed to improving academic achievement of each and every student within a supportive learning environment. I believe is it essential to have a holistic approach, supporting students emotionally and socially so that students can feel confident to be an individual and safe to take risks as learners in the classroom. In addition, I believe student engagement and success is rooted in a feeling of connection to the community. I strive to create an environment where students feel deeply valued and want to come back to school each day because they know I care enough to listen, provide meaningful support, and challenge them to grow into their best self. I also believe the work we do as educators (and parents) to support our students is incredibly challenging. Therefore, I believe it is critical to create moments for fun and celebration. Overall, these philosophical beliefs guide all building work including instructional strategies, building programming, professional development for teachers, intervention models for students, enrichment opportunities, parent involvement, and community events. I am so proud of the teachers and staff at Timberline Middle School, they truly are some of the most dedicated, skilled, and caring individuals I have ever met. I am also so very proud to be a part of such an awesome and diverse community of students and parents.

Sincerely,
Heidi Paul- Principal
Timberline Middle School

Home of the Timberwolves: “Pack pride!”