El Morro Elementary Principal Julie Hatchel has given students leadership opportunities through Sea Lion Squad and Sea Lion Senate to shape them into future problem-solvers.
Hatchel creates positive culture
September 30, 2024
Name: Julie Hatchel
Award: Elementary Principal of the Year
Title: Principal, El Morro Elementary, Laguna Beach Unified School District
ACSA highlights: Member since 1998; Region 17 President, 2020-22; Region 17 VPLA, 2017-20; ACSA Mentor; Legislative Action Committee, 2018-20; Membership Chair, 2016-17; Capistrano Unified Mgmt. Association President, 2008-10.
Days at El Morro Elementary are known to begin with smiles, upbeat music and even a little dancing.
These cheerful mornings are a testament to the positive school culture created by Julie Hatchel, ACSA’s Elementary Principal of the Year.
Since joining the school in 2022, Hatchel has been hands-on and innovative in designing programs that meet the diverse needs of her students.
During their daily WIN (Whatever I Need) time, students receive targeted instruction to address skills-based achievement gaps without missing any core instructional minutes. A dedicated MTSS team led by Hatchel examines student performance data on a weekly basis to monitor growth in real time. As a result of this targeted focus, her school ended the year with zero students requiring Tier 3/intensive interventions as they transitioned from 5th grade to middle school.
She worked with the PTA to examine DEI practices, refining events and resources to make them more inclusive. This included creating a sensory room at the family carnival, changing Colonial Days to Heritage Days, and increasing the availability of DEI books in the school library and Book Fair in order for more students to see themselves represented in literature.
Hatchel has also spearheaded new groups that give students voice and choice. The Sea Lion Squad is an after-school program where 3rd through 5th graders learn about giving back to their community. The students help with morning announcements, work on planning and promoting spirit days and even assist with the morning car line. Another group, the Sea Lion Senate, is a focus group that shares student perspectives with site, PTA and district leaders. Hatchel views the senate as an opportunity to shape students into problem-solvers and leaders.
Hatchel has built a strong team of teachers who are supported through lunch and learn sessions and monthly on-site PD targeted to their learning needs. She sets high standards for academic excellence and encourages open dialogue about improving instruction. Hatchel also serves as an adjunct professor and mentor to new and future education leaders, sharing insights from a 34-year educational career that has included positions ranging from instructional assistant to assistant superintendent.
Through Hatchel’s compassionate and visionary leadership, El Morro Elementary has become a school community that promotes respect and believes in the capacity of everyone — parents, students and staff — to reach their goals.
“She did not come to El Morro with a specific agenda, but rather took the time to see where improvement was needed,” said Lauren Boeck, a parent and school site council and PTA board member. “She is creative, motivating and the type of leader people naturally want to follow.”
What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership?
I have so many, but the most recent quote is: “The most valuable commodity in any school is the collective wisdom of the educators, and the answers to all of our challenges are there, waiting for us to uncover them together.” — Allyson Apsey, “What Makes a Great Principal”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Find your fit … whether it’s the position, district, school, boss, etc., working with the right team makes all the difference!
What’s your best strategy for work-life balance?
Prioritize some time every day for YOU. Whether it’s a quick quiet time in the morning with a cup of coffee or a glass of your favorite beverage after work by the fireplace, be intentional about having some quiet time to reflect and be grateful for the day.
What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?
Build your support system — family and friends who will hold you accountable to maintain balance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help … from your family, mentors, boss, or staff, it’s the TEAM that will help lead you to success. You can’t do it alone!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a pretty open book, so I’m not sure there are any surprises. Learning to be humble and transparent have been an important part of my development and success. I have actually loved growing older … with age and experience one gains perspective, wisdom and peace.
What made you want to become a school administrator?
I saw my own parents and family members overcome adversity that changed their trajectory and cycle of poverty, social-emotional development and academic success. Knowing that mentors and educators made a difference in their stories, I wanted to be an influence in building that positive capacity for others.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?
One of the biggest challenges has been juggling the increasing demands placed on public educators as well as navigating the ever-changing politics that impact our work.
What are you most proud of?
I have enjoyed engaging in the important work that our team has done building out our system of supports for students. As a principal, helping to build the capacity of others to lead this work and experience success is rewarding. I’m proud to be at a point in my career where I can mentor and be a cheerleader for our future leaders.
How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?
ACSA had been such a blessing to me in helping to build edifying, supportive relationships with other administrators. Collaborating with and learning from others in the field helps me to commit to continuous improvement.
Since joining the El Morro Elementary in 2022, Julie Hatchel has been hands-on and innovative in designing programs that meet the diverse needs of her students.
Julie Hatchel recommends that leaders prioritize some time every day for themselves.
Julie Hatchel has built a strong team of teachers who are supported through lunch and learn sessions and monthly on-site PD targeted to their learning needs.
Through Julie Hatchel’s compassionate and visionary leadership, El Morro Elementary has become a school community that promotes respect and believes in the capacity of everyone to reach their goals.