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Magnet School Attracts Principal

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By DEREK MAUL, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 14, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights local school principals. This week's column features Susan Raburn, principal of Lincoln Elementary Magnet School for International Studies, 1207 E. Renfro St. The school's telephone number is (813) 757-9329.

PLANT CITY - Principal Susan Raburn is as thrilled as the proverbial kid in a candy store. After nine-plus years leading Cork Elementary, she stepped out of her comfort zone and into the biggest job of her career at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School for International Studies.

"It's all very exciting," she said, "very challenging; oh gosh, it's a ton of work!"

What exactly is going on at Lincoln?

We're a pre-applicant for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, but we function as if we're already starting, Day One.

And that means?

We're going to see our students develop as global learners; inquiring, open-minded and knowledgeable. Every child will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens of the world, and they will work to become problem-solvers, risk takers and reflective thinkers.

What's your enrollment?

Four hundred twenty, including Head Start and kindergarten. We have 36 teachers. I admire and respect my teachers so much; it's not about me.

How big of a makeover are you talking about?

We're starting from scratch. It's about a three-year process to International Baccalaureate certification. Our teachers all came here on purpose. Those that stayed are excited, and I hired 73 percent new staff. I was looking for risk-takers who think outside the box. Being here means committing to training and a change of philosophy. It's a way of looking at things with a global perspective.

How long have you been in education?

This is my 34th year. I'm excited to do something different, to bring something new to east county. What a blessing to be able to bring a different perspective; attitudes of respect and cooperation - we're teaching children to think differently.

Is admission selective?

Only in terms of buying in to the program; it's still a lottery. My philosophy is we're about children; we're going to teach kids. We want to make 'A', but we'll do that by concentrating on every child and good sound academic instruction.

What are your goals?

To be academically prepared, but problem solvers - thinkers more than anything else. We're inquiry-based; ask the right questions, then look for the answers; teachers thinking beyond mere facts and moving into bigger themes and encompassing ideas.

What are you learning?

I'm the head learner, the first one to go to workshops. It's about being a community of learners; us, our kids, the parents. The teachers learn along with the kids.

Can you articulate your vision?

Excelling academically while exploring the world; to promote the growth of lifelong learners through inquiry, imagination, reflection and thinking; "I wonder"...

Where were you raised?

Born 1953 and raised in Seminole Heights Tampa. My dad was a firefighter.

I graduated Hillsborough High School in 1971.

How about college?

I attended Auburn for a year, but I was in love - Buddy Raburn was playing football at the University of Tampa. We married in 1972 and I finished up at University of South Florida.

Why teach?

I honestly never thought about doing anything else - I always knew. I taught 16 years before getting into administration.

When did you move to Plant City?

We bought a home in Cork around 1989, and I taught at Cork Elementary before becoming assistant principal, then principal.

Do you like Plant City?

We knew from Day One that we loved it. It's like we stepped back in time; family-oriented, and people went to church. We have three children and they made dear friends out here with wonderful families.

We eventually joined First Baptist because it met the needs of our family.

Talk about your children.

Edward is a corporal with the sheriff's office; he has two kids.

Elizabeth is an ag teacher at Turkey Creek; she has a new baby.

Jacob just graduated from the University of Florida in agriculture.

So the family is tight?

We live on 14 acres; it's a family compound. My parents live there, my sister, my brother, Buddy and I, my son and his wife.

What do you do for fun?

I walk, I spend time with the family, I love to read. I love to cook but I have no time and we're in the middle of remodeling our kitchen.

We're all about family and we want to have room so everyone can be together.

Is public education important?

Yes! I've seen the good that it does, the difference it makes for the next generation. I believe schools are mission fields. We have a lot of opportunity to help kids and families. I feel so blessed to be a part of something like this - I love what I do.

Is there someone you would like profiled? Call Derek Maul at (813) 245-2304 or e-mail him at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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