Idaho educator shares lessons from decades-long career [Video]

PAT CALDWELLFor the Times-News

TWIN FALLS — Building trust and fostering relationships with colleagues to find the right path to success proved to be two key lessons Cheri McKenzie learned during her nearly three-decade career as an Idaho educator.

McKenzie, the principal at Lincoln Elementary School, said looking for positive intent among people, educators and students evolved into a key attribute of her career.

“It is important because it builds trust. I find joy in connecting and growing alongside others,” said McKenzie, 52.

McKenzie, a Jerome native, is a veteran educator. After graduating from Boise State University with a bachelor’s degree in education, she taught sixth, seventh and eighth grades in Jerome for 17 years before switching jobs to teach at the Bridge Academy in Twin Falls.

In 2014 she received her master’s degree in education leadership.

Her stint at the Bridge Academy — an alternative middle school — proved to be a pivotal …