Blog

New Story Schools is proud to grow our community in Circleville, Ohio with a focus on student-centered learning and support. Leading the way is Principal Leah Gordan, whose passion for individualized education and strong team support is shaping a positive and inclusive school culture. In this Q&A, Leah shares her journey, leadership style, and vision for the future of Circleville.

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to being principal?
Absolutely. I have had the pleasure of dedicating my pursuit of education and career to working with individuals with disabilities for the past 14 years, 10 of which I actively served as an Intervention Specialist. During that time, I had the privilege of working closely with students, building strong relationships, and celebrating those incredible moments when they realized they were capable or when they truly "got it." Those experiences were incredibly fulfilling and really deepened my commitment to this field.

However, as I gained more experience, I began to see the broader impact I could have, not just in my own classroom but across entire teams and schools. That realization led me to pursue a leadership path, and I’m now in my second year as principal, having served at New Story Schools in Lancaster and now in Circleville.

What drives me in this role is the ability to support and train the professionals who are in the classrooms every day. By empowering educators and ensuring they have the tools and strategies they need, especially when it comes to sensory-specific and individualized education, we can improve student outcomes on a much larger scale. Being a principal allows me to multiply my impact and help ensure that more students receive the high-quality, personalized education they deserve.

What makes you excited about this new campus and being principal here?
I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity this new campus brings, not just for myself as a leader but for our entire school community. One of the biggest challenges at our previous Lancaster location was space. While we did amazing things there, the limited physical environment often restricted the kinds of events and services we could provide. Now, with a brand-new campus that’s double the size, we have the chance to reimagine what education and support can look like for our students.

This space allows us to enhance the services, education, and resources we offer in ways that are truly meaningful. We can now better support sensory-specific instruction, host events that bring families into the educational experience, and provide our staff with more room to collaborate, innovate, and grow professionally.

What excites me most is that this campus is more than just a building. It is a reflection of our commitment to holistic development. We are creating an environment where scholars feel seen and supported, families feel welcome and engaged, and staff feel empowered to make a real difference every single day. Being principal here means I get to help build that vision from the ground up. That is a challenge I’m honored to take on.

What do you love most about working in special education?
What I love most about working in special education is the opportunity to truly see and celebrate the individual growth of each student. Every milestone, no matter how big or small, is meaningful. Being part of those moments when a student overcomes a challenge or realizes they can do something they never thought possible is incredibly rewarding. It is those "lightbulb" moments, when a student realizes they get it, that have always fueled my passion.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate not just the academic side of special education, but the importance of creating environments that support the whole child — academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. That’s why I’m so passionate about sensory-specific and individualized instruction. When we meet students where they are and give them the tools they need to thrive, the outcomes can be life-changing.

Now, as a principal, what I love has expanded. I get to support and guide the educators who are in those moments with students every day. By equipping staff with the training, resources, and confidence they need, I know we are multiplying our impact and creating a community where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

What’s your leadership style?
I would describe my leadership style as structured, student-centered, and grounded in high expectations. I believe in a traditional leadership approach that ensures consistency, professionalism, and alignment with academic and safety standards, while also being deeply informed by modern teaching strategies and accommodations.

At the heart of my leadership is the belief that all scholars are capable of learning, regardless of diagnosis or disability category. The key is differentiation. We have to be flexible in how we teach, meet students where they are, and adjust our methods to support their individual learning needs. I apply the same principle to staff development by supporting my team with the tools, feedback, and training they need to be successful.

That said, I also believe schools must operate with structure and integrity. We have a responsibility to uphold state standards, ensure safety, and maintain a professional environment where both students and staff can perform at their best. I see my role as creating a culture where high expectations are paired with high support, where every stakeholder feels seen, valued, and accountable.

What do you envision as a successful year, and where do you see New Story Schools-Circleville in a year from now?
In my second year as principal, success, to me, means establishing a strong foundation of trust, collaboration, and clear communication among staff, students, and families. It’s about ensuring that everyone feels supported and aligned around our shared mission of providing high-quality, sensory-specific education that meets the unique needs of every scholar.

I want to focus on building a positive school culture where educators have the resources and professional development they need to deliver differentiated instruction effectively. Success also means creating an environment where families feel engaged and empowered to be partners in their child’s education.

Looking forward, one year from now, I envision New Story Schools-Circleville as a vibrant, inclusive community where student outcomes are visibly improving — not only academically but socially and emotionally as well. I see a campus where staff collaboration and innovation thrive, where families are regularly involved, and where every scholar feels safe, valued, and challenged to reach their fullest potential. Success, to me, is measured by the strength of the community we build together and the growth we see in our scholars’ performance.

Want to be notified of new articles and resources from New Story Schools? Submit your email and opt into our newsletter!