Principal Spotlight: Tammi Haas

In seventh grade, Tammi Haas’s geography teacher stopped her in the hallway to suggest that she consider running for student government secretary. Little did she know this would “launch the leadership opportunities that [she] followed throughout high school and well into college.” In that moment, Haas’s geography teacher set her on the path to her future. “I think that’s what brought me here in an administration position today,” said Haas.However, her passion for education began long before her decision to run for student government. “I knew as a very young child that I wanted to get into education,” said Haas. “My parents bought me a chalkboard and I would spend hours in my bedroom teaching my stuffed animals and my brother and sister.”Throughout high school and college, all of her jobs consisted of working with children, whether it was babysitting or summer camps. This firsthand experience combined with her leadership opportunities helped develop her passion for education and administration. For the past 17 years, Haas has worked as an educator. Before becoming the principal five years ago, she was a fifth-grade math teacher here at St. Joseph. Haas is dedicated to fostering a school community that constantly strives to challenge, encourage, and support one another, saying, “My favorite thing about St. Joseph Catholic School is the people. The people I work with, the children that I get to see each and every day, and their families.”When she’s not at work, Haas’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and two children. They enjoy going to sporting events, relaxing at the beach, hanging out at local parks, and just enjoying each other’s company.“At St. Joseph Catholic School, we are dedicated to teaching the whole child,” said Haas. “We love to see our children shine, and we help them to see the good in all people and to bring Christ into everything they do and say.” She especially loves when alumni come back to share their successes! Her students amaze her every day, and she’s very proud to watch them grow and achieve their dreams. It is important to Haas that students leave St. Joseph with a strong work ethic and an understanding of how important it is to be kind to one another. “I feel strongly that our students – when they leave here – if they work hard and have a kind heart, they will be successful in everything they do,” said Haas. At private schools in Winter Haven, FL, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us here or at 407-246-4800.