A second home

A former administrator with the Evergreen School District has found a home at Camas High School.

Susan Asher began her position as associate principal in mid August, and describes it as “amazing,” so far.

“The kids are the nicest and most polite that I have ever been around,” she said.

Asher is not new to education, having been a classroom teacher for 14 years and an administrator for 12 years.

“Living in Camas, I know the reputation of the school system and was fortunate enough to get the job,” she said. “The staff is amazing and that’s why they achieve what they do here. Steve (Marshall) is a great leader and the kids love him.”

Asher earned an undergraduate degree in social studies/secondary education from Montana State University, where she also completed her graduate work in educational leadership.

After seven years of teaching middle school and seven at the high school level, Asher decided to switch her focus to administration.

“I saw such a variance in teaching and opportunities for the students,” she said. “I thought this was doing the kids a great disservice. They all need the same educational opportunities.”

When she spoke to the principal of Bozeman High School about her concerns, he suggested she look into becoming an administrator.

“I wanted to help change what was happening,” she said. “The great thing about Common Core standards is that is it allowing all the students the same educational opportunities.”

As the CHS associate principal, Asher will be in charge of discipline for juniors and seniors, supervise senior projects, and help guide the English, social studies and Career and Technical Education departments.

She replaces Derek Jaques, who left to become principal of a small Science, Technology Engineering and Math based high school in Corbett.

Asher is also the new Integrated Arts and Academics administrator. The IAA is a new program for incoming ninth-graders. Currently, there are 48 students who take a block of art, English and physical science classes. Teachers collaborate on the curriculum.

“The hope is for students with artistic abilities and interests to see connections to other academic courses,” Asher said.

Marshall is excited to have Asher as an administrator.

“The qualities that Susan brings to our school are a perfect fit for CHS,” he said. “She has high expectations and understands that her role is to help students and staff reach those expectations and be successful now as well as in the future. Susan also builds positive relationships, has a successful background as a teacher and leader, and she draws on those experiences in her primary role as an instructional leader.”

He continued, “Most of all, she enjoys everything that makes up the high school experience and is eager to get involved as a supervisor, advisor and fan. Susan has only been here a few weeks, but she has already shown that she is a real Papermaker.”

Asher’s main goal for the coming year is to continue to integrate herself into the school community.

“I want the kids to know who I am and for them to get something out of their senior projects,” Asher said. “It will be a learning curve, but I will get it done.”

In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, going on long walks and riding bikes with her husband, Larry.