The Principle of Being Ready

Ademide Shodunke

One of the most challenging aspects of working in a new school is the time it takes to transition and assimilate to the nuances that define any school’s culture and community. 

Ask anyone who knows her, and they’d say Amie Jensen was ready on day one. 

Now, eight months into her tenure as assistant principal, Jensen is in a position to reflect on what has made her time at Glenelg so special. ​

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“The transition was easy because the staff, the students, and the community are so welcoming at Glenelg,” Jensen said.  “So many people from the start said to me ‘Welcome to Glenelg! It's a great place to be!’ and everyone was, and continues to be, very accepting and helpful.”

It is safe to say that Jensen has responded in kind, as her attitude and presence is equally positive and welcoming. Jensen can often be seen mingling with students, trying to get to know them better and establish personal connections. 

“When I first met Ms. Jensen, she greeted me with a handshake,” said senior Zavien McCullough. “She has such a nice, inviting, and soft-spoken way about her.”

Added senior Judah Wilkerson: “Ms. Jensen came across to me as someone I can always talk to and ask for advice on anything.”

Jensen, whose responsibilities as an assistant principal include being the school’s testing coordinator and overseeing the special education, visual, and performing arts departments, has also made her impact felt among colleagues. 

“She is very relationship-based and an advocate for students and staff,” said principal Shawn Hastings-Hauf. From her very first moment this summer she has embraced all the good things about Glenelg and has dug into the work to make Glenelg a better school. She has benefited students and staff and has been involved in all parts of Glenelg from the onset. We are very fortunate to have her on staff!” 

Jensen, a graduate of Virginia Tech University, has been a member of Howard County schools for the past 21 years. She began her teaching career as a special educator and later became a special education team leader at Hammond High School. Jensen moved on to assistant principal at Wilde Lake High School, and for the past six years, she served as assistant principal at the Homewood School.

“Working at Homewood was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” Jensen said. “Over my six years there I realized how important perspective, listening, and open mindedness is. 

“Having that understanding has helped me create new relationships with students, staff, and families at Glenelg. I have learned so much from the students, staff, and families here. The best part about my first year has been getting to know the students. Working with high school students is my passion and I have appreciated the new relationships that have been created since the start of the school year.”

Not surprising, Jensen considers herself an open book, always willing to talk to anyone in the building about anything. She said she enjoys and values making connections with students and staff in her day-to-day life, which is one of the main reasons why she joined the profession.

“The work resonates with me because I believe that one of the most important things in life is how you treat people, especially in times of discomfort,” Jensen said. “Being kind to someone can be life changing. It’s possible that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”