Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
News
Homestead High School assistant principal Virgil Pate retired this month after 32 years in education. The Long Road Popular assistant principal at Homestead retires after 32 years in public education By Jennifer Zhang After spending four years at Homestead High School, Virgil Pate, assistant principal, is "graduating" with the class of 2002. As his students take on the transition from high school to college, Pate is journeying from a long teaching career into retirement. Pate's 32-year career in public education began locally, with the Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD). Before accepting the job of assistant principal at Homestead, Pate taught in two high schools for 28 years. Pate's love for teaching started at an early age. He said that when he was a high school student at the former Sunnyvale High School, he had some of the most dedicated teachers imaginable. Their nurturing and supportive methods inspired Pate as he decided to become a teacher and a role model himself. His pursuit of that goal took him to San Jose State University, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in social science in 1969 and his teaching credential in 1970. Pate took his first teaching job at Fremont High School, where he taught courses in special education for two years. In 1972, Pate accepted a job to teach social studies courses at Monta Vista High School. For the next 26 years, Pate taught courses in psychology and U.S. government and coached the girls basketball team. He also served on numerous committees, such as a staff development committee, and was the chair of the social studies department. "We're really proud of our students and proud of what we did," Pate said. "It was a great school to learn and work in." As much as he enjoyed teaching, Pate made a decision to cross over to administration at Homestead High School in 1998. "I wanted a change," Pate explained. "I needed something new, refreshing and challenging. But it was a very difficult decision to make. I miss teaching every day." Pate describes his experience in administration as a new chapter in his life and its difference from teaching as great as night and day. According to Pate, unlike teachers, administrators do not get to establish direct relationships with their students. As a result, he lost that personal aspect of teaching when he became an assistant principal. Pate says a major part of his job deals with problem-solving, which can be a very frustrating and demanding process, as problems and issues develop constantly in schools. "I have no control over the problems and issues," Pate says. "All I can do is to try my best to solve them. I have to make the right decisions, which requires me to always be attentive to others' needs, even if that means to put away my own needs." Another one of his important responsibilities is establishing and maintaining positive relationships with teachers and creating a pleasant workplace for everyone, which he feels has been one of his biggest challenges in administration besides solving never-ending problems. The positive side of being an administrator is that through solving problems, Pate has been able to help his teachers and students, which, to him, is always rewarding and satisfying. Pate's rich experience in teaching has contributed to his success as an assistant principal. "I try to relate myself to teachers in every situation so I can help them better," he says. "I always remember the support I needed when I was a teacher and try to give that support to our teachers." Pate says he believes his job as an assistant principal is a lot like coaching, as there are both winning and losing situations. Pate treasures every losing situation as a learning opportunity. Looking back on the 32 years he has spent in public education, Pate says it has been a worthwhile experience to be able to work with young people and see them grow. Pate says, "It's nice to see the transition they go through, from needy children to responsible decision-makers." "I am a fan of public education," Pate continued. "It offers you a more complete understanding of the real world. It serves all kinds of kids. I have enjoyed every moment of my 32 years in this field. I wouldn't have done anything differently." Pate's work has made him a very popular figure among educators as well as students. "He has a very strong work ethic," said Carol Shimizu, assistant principal at Homestead and Pate's co-worker. "He's very conscientious. He has a great sense of humor and works very hard for students, teachers and administrators. I wouldn't be surprised if he volunteered in the community or contributed his expertise after he retires." Rossini Yen, a senior at Homestead, said, "I think he's doing a really good job as an assistant principal. He interviewed me once for a recommendation letter. I felt he was really trying to get to know me." After he retires at the end of this school year, Pate and his family will move to Coloma, near the south fork of the American River, where he bought a house 10 years ago. Pate says he will fill his time with the many activities he enjoys, such as playing golf, fishing, reading mystery books, watching sports on TV and traveling. Pate is satisfied with the past and excited to start yet another new chapter in his life. "I know I made a difference," he says. "I am walking away proud of my accomplishments. Now I am going to enjoy my retirement." |
Feedback, or idea for a Story for the Sun?
(Close this Window to go back to our home page.)
Copyright © SVCN, LLC. Maintained by GoGuys, Inc.