Interview with Principal Backstrom

For this edition of the Coe Times, I was able to contact Principal Backstrom for an interview. I learned what she wanted to be when she was a kid, her first job, and even what animal she would want to be! Keep reading to find out for yourself!  

🐾BE SAFE! BE KIND! BE COE! 🐾  

Q. When did you become a principal? 

A. I started my career as an elementary school teacher in 2005 (grades K, 1, 2, and English as a Second Language) before I went back to college and became a principal. My very first assistant principal job was at Coe in 2015. 

Q. What is your favorite memory of working at Coe?  

A. There are so many to choose from! Jog-A-Thons are so much fun (I save every shirt). I also cherish the first days of kindergarten and last days of fifth grade as they are such special milestones to share with students, staff, and families. One of the most special moments was last year’s first “Walk of Graduates” when seniors returned to Coe and walked the halls of their elementary school. This was such a special experience for our entire school community, and I hope to continue this tradition for many years to come. 

Q. What did you want to be when you were a kid? 

A. I wanted to be a veterinarian. I even volunteered at a local vet clinic when I was in middle school. When I went to college, I wanted to be a lawyer. This all changed when I started volunteering at a local elementary school and fell in love with teaching.  

Q. What was your first job?  

A. Babysitting! My father was in the Air Force, and we moved around frequently, so I babysat regularly for families we were stationed with. 

Q. If you were an animal, what would you be? 

A. I would be an English Chocolate Labrador. I have two of them at home and their life is VERY comfortable and filled with love and treats! 

 Audrey: I would be a dolphin.