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“Hold high expectations for them - students will rise to the challenge when they know someone believes in them.” Susi Hochrein

“Influential Women” magazine is featuring veteran educator Susi Hochrein, Prep’s assistant head of middle school, on its website for the November-December issue. It’s quite an honor, as the platform dedicated to amplifying women leaders and executives has more than 100,000 LinkedIn followers. And the profile is well-deserved, as Hochrein has taken on progressively influential roles at Prep, from a math teacher for middle- and high-school classes, to grade-level lead, then dean of students for seventh and eighth grades, to her current position as assistant head of middle school. The advancement exemplifies her commitment to the school as well as her belief in the power of education to transform young lives.

Scott Jeffries, Prep’s head of school, shares “I've had the pleasure of working with Susi in several different roles - from when we were both full-time math teachers, to our time as heads of the Upper and Middle School divisions, and now in my role as head of school. Throughout all these years, her level of enthusiasm, caring and support for all our students, particularly the middle school students in her division, has been amazing. She consistently encourages and guides students to be their best, treat others with respect and grow into thoughtful, responsible young people.”

While Hochrein is well-known at Prep, having worked with students and their families for almost two decades, the article provides poignant insight into how she approaches teaching, education and life.

In the “Ten Minutes With Susie” feature, Hochrein writes “At the heart of everything I do are relationships, empowerment and belonging. I am deeply committed to helping students discover their strengths and find their voice. I believe that when students feel truly seen and heard, they are inspired to be their very best. Collaboration is equally important to me; I never see myself as someone who has all the answers, but rather as a partner to families and colleagues as we navigate challenges together. And giving back through service - to our school community and to the broader Albuquerque community - reflects the values I hope to model for every student I work with.”

Hochrein walks that talk, and explains “one of the greatest opportunities in education right now is creating and sustaining a genuine sense of belonging within our school communities. Through our Challenge Success partnership with Stanford University, we've been able to use surveys, fishbowl sessions, and targeted programs to strengthen community cohesion and put students at the center of the experience. Another significant opportunity is the meaningful integration of community service into the curriculum - not as an add-on, but as a core part of how students learn to engage with the world.”

Look no further for that integration than nearby Los Ranchos Elementary, where Hochrein created a literacy and mathematics partnership between students. What started “with 10 to15 students from my Helping Hands community service club (working) with third-graders in reading literacy and math skills …has now grown into 70 of my students visiting Los Ranchos once or twice per month serving students in third, fourth and fifth grades,” she says.

So what advice does Hochrein have for those entering the education field? (And honestly, her approach can apply to anyone dealing with young people.) “When you walk into a school, see your students for who they truly are and meet them exactly where they are,” she writes. “Hold high expectations for them - students will rise to the challenge when they know someone believes in them. Be collaborative, creative and flexible, because education is never one-size-fits-all. And always support your students as whole people, not just learners. The relationships you build and the way you show up for kids every day will define your impact far more than any title or credential.”

“My time in education has been some of the most rewarding and meaningful work of my life,” she adds. “I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside such talented, creative and kind people, and I truly cannot say enough about the wonderful families who help make this community so special. I am honored to be able to have the opportunity to serve our students, teachers, and families each day.”

Hochrein says she is humbled by the magazine profile. “Being featured in ‘Influential Women’ is such an honor, and I still find it hard to believe that I get to be a part of this publication alongside so many accomplished and inspiring women,” she says. “. I'm incredibly grateful for this recognition and opportunity to celebrate the work, people and community that mean so much to me.”