Principal Natalie Hagerty

The Government of Nova Scotia’s projected budget will cut $200 million from the education system over the next 3 years, with a 22% reduction in funds for the school board. It is reassuring to meet a Principal in Nova Scotia who is rising to the challenges presented by these deep cuts to the education system.

Natalie Hagerty is the Principal at Harrietsfield Elementary School in the Halifax Regional Municipality of Nova Scotia. Budget cuts have certainly met their match in Principal Natalie Hagerty.

Born in Gambo, Natalie was not particularly inspired to become a teacher but it seemed a natural choice given the influence of her parents, both educators themselves.

Natalie came to Nova Scotia at the age of 17, to study at Acadia University. She went on to complete both her Bachelor of Education and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum at Mount Saint Vincent University in the Maritimes. She is presently working toward a second Master’s Degree in Leadership.

Once she completed her initial Master’s, Natalie went on to become a substitute teacher, which eventually led to a term position. Before becoming the Vice Principal at Beechville Lakeside Timberlea she served for 7 years as a Language Arts & Social Studies teacher for grades 7 & 9 at Caledonia Junior High School.

The 2010-2011 school year was Natalie’s first in her role as Principal. The changes to the school with her at the helm are many, varied, and evident. The internal building at Harrietsfield is spotless and the staff is on task; due in large part to the direction and leadership of Principal Hagerty. She directs with enthusiasm and leads by example.

When you arrive at Harrietsfield each morning, Natalie is there to greet the children amidst the quaint newly landscaped school yard. Natalie says that she thinks of her children when she presents herself to her students. She says, “these are somebody’s children; they need to know they are valued and important.” She sees the value in everyone, believing, “that teachers are everywhere.”

Natalie encouraged members of the Home & School Committee at Harrietsfield to begin writing proposals for grants, which would help pay for improvements such as landscaping and making the playground wheelchair accessible.

The world needs more Natalie Hagertys who effortlessly inspire others and create positive change by doing what feels natural to them. It seems only natural that the words she lives by are Mahatma Ghandi’s infamous, “be the change you want to see in the world.” 

Written by Joy Goodwin
Edited by Lucinda Atwood