Giving Compass' Take:

• Chalkbeat interviews a principal in Montrose, CO, about the importance of innovation in education and how mentoring young people has given him a sense of fulfillment.

• Those in the education space should look to leaders like this to serve as models for what dedication looks like. How can we make sure they are supported?

• If Chalkbeat's story inspired you, check out this article about the role of principals changing with the times. 

Joe Simo, principal of Centennial Middle School in Montrose, CO, was stunned when a former student thanked him for saving his life. At first, Simo had no idea what the newly minted high school graduate was talking about.

But the young man explained that Simo’s interest in him years before, and his suggestion that he go out for basketball, helped him survive trying times.

Simo said that heartfelt moment of gratitude meant the world to him.

Named the 2018 Middle School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of School Executives and the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals, Simo recounted the conversation he shared with the student, the teachers who inspired him to go into education, and the importance of a positive school culture.

Read the full article about the Colorado principal who saved a student's life by Ann Schimke at Chalkbeat.