Rain, sleet, ice, or snow: Tim Hodges travels through it all in order to protect the students of Cannon Falls High School. His love for students and passion for education motivated him to pursue a career at the top of the educational food chain; contrary to the stereotypical principal that likes to yell at kids and torture students, Mr. Hodges claims that student discipline is the part he dreads most about his job. The only thing that gets him through disciplining is knowing that lessons learned young are disasters avoided later in life.

Starting his days with back to back meetings to improve the life at Cannon Falls High School proves how truly dedicated Hodges is to his career. Between faculty, one-on-one teacher observation, and parent-student meetings, it is fair to say he is a very busy man. His official school day begins at seven o’clock in the morning, some days after already attending two meetings.

Mr. Hodges’ school day starts off with a pre-teacher observation, which is a requirement and expectation of his job. The observation take place three times over the course of ten years for any tenured teachers, and three times over one year for every teacher contracted to a one year teaching position. The meeting is to clarify what will be going on in the class the day of his actual observation, as well as discuss the programs that are running smooth or bumpy in that specific teacher’s classroom. After Mr. Hodges ends the teachers observation meeting with a smile and a bounce in his step, he walks out the door to greet the students walking in.

Like every other morning after hearing the school bell, Mr. Hodges heads towards the swarming hallway and shoos kids to class. He considers this a very important time – not only for the students, but for him. Being in students’ eyesight everyday between hours allows Mr. Hodges to control student behavior and let students know the hallway is a safe area. This greater connection with the students helps prove that he does more than reprimand them in his office. When the students start vanishing and the tiles become deserted, he walks confidently into the high school office and lends a hand to CFHS secretaries Alison and Robin. Hodges then continues his day with yet another crucial meeting for the upcoming school year. Kirsten Hoffman, CFHS guidance counselor, strides into his office and sits down at the table to discuss the scheduling for next year. According to Hodges, “scheduling is like a puzzle,” but a puzzle could never begin to explain the difficulty of arranging students’ classes into a workable whole. Eventually, with scheduling calmly conquered, he heads down to the far board room for yet another – you guessed it – meeting.

As the board room door opens, chairs start filling with thoughtful adults with student interests in mind. Discussing classroom techniques, upcoming technologies, PLC days, and multiple other subjects, Mr. Hodges definitely deserves an A+ for his constant focus.

Although the Lantern shadowing was sadly cut short by issues of student confidentiality, Mr. Hodges’ careful guidance of headstrong high school students should be truly appreciated. Principals have responsibilities, and Mr. Hodges handles them extremely well. Trustworthy, compassionate, and the owner of a listening ear, Mr. Hodges is a great addition to Cannon Falls High School.