Ms. Shannon Will, Arcadia High School’s (AHS) librarian, will soon become the new assistant principal as a part of the administration.
Following the appointment of Dr. Jorge Munoz as the new principal, Ms. Will will be joining Ms. Karen DuBerke, Ms. Samantha Jung, Mr. Keith Kerney, and Mr. Peter Vo as assistant principal.
Prior to AHS, Ms. Will began her career as an instructional aide in special education for 1.5 years while pursuing her teaching credential. She started teaching high school English in 2006 and spent 10 years in the classroom.
While teaching, Ms. Will earned her librarian credential, becoming a librarian for Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) for the past 7 years, where she managed elementary libraries and budgets.
Speaking about the library, Ms. Will said, “It’s a little bittersweet to leave the library, to be honest. When I started here four years ago, it was transitioning back to normal in-person [after COVID online school]. I was met with so much help and support.”
As librarian, Ms. Will helped establish the Student Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) and created volunteer opportunities for students. She especially appreciates the welcoming environment that the AHS library holds.
“One thing that’s really important to me is that the library is welcoming to all students, not just students looking for a specific book, that all students feel welcome to ask for help, also teachers as well,” Ms. Will said. “My favorite part is being able to empower students to make the library the space that they want, that they envision. It’s not my library; it’s our library. If students approach me about an idea, as long as it’s possible, I will do whatever I can to support that idea.”
Ms. Will’s path to administration was not direct; she herself admits she hadn’t originally considered becoming an administrator. However, her time at AHS has shifted her perspective. She credits AHS administrators with inspiring her: “Working at the school, seeing our staff, I got to witness great examples— Dr. Munoz, Mr. Vo, and Dr. Dillman are models of administration.”
To Ms. Will, her decision to apply for the assistant principal position was grounded in a vision to build on the school’s strengths.
“Arcadia has a strong foundation of success, but I want to help ensure all students feel involved and included, ”said Ms. Will. “I think there’s always space for more of that, to make sure that all students on campus feel like they’re included and there’s something here for everyone.”
Ms. Will’s is particularly interested in expanding career pathways for students, collaborating with the Career Technical Education (CTE) department, and strengthening interdisciplinary programs.
“Right now I’m in full library mode at the end of the year, but I’m already thinking about how excited I am to start the school year as the assistant principal,” Ms. Will said. “What an honor and a privilege.”
