I stumbled into teaching while in the U.S. Army. I graduated from Fordham University then worked in advertising production in NYC. Shortly thereafter I was drafted. My company commander needed someone to teach our unit’s Troop Information and Education Program. When he learned I was an English major, I was it. I was hooked! Following my discharge I taught for several years before becoming a principal in West Hartford, Connecticut. I was promoted to Director of Instruction. I supervised more than 40 principals over a span of 14 years. Early on I learned the importance of the principals’ effect on the success or failure of a school.