At Friendship Tech Prep Academy in Washington, D.C., Kun Ye Booth believes leadership starts with relationships. As principal, she is constantly moving throughout the building, checking in with students, and supporting teachers and staying connected with families long after the school day ends. 

Booth, who is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), says that being present in the community is one of the most important parts of her role. 

“I’m everywhere,” Booth said with a laugh. She emphasized the importance of intentional connection with teachers, students and families. For Booth, leadership is not about staying behind an office door. It is about building trust, showing consistency and making students feel supported both inside and outside the classroom. 

Finding Her Way into Education 

Booth did not originally plan on becoming an educator. Growing up with a Korean mother and Black father, she spent much of her childhood in a Korean Methodist church, where she first began teaching Sunday school as a high school student. 

Although she enjoyed teaching, Booth did not initially envision it as a career. Instead, she attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as a biology major with plans to become a doctor. 

Even then, education remained in the back of her mind. “I said I should change my major into biology and education, but I never did,” Booth said. After graduation, she joined a pharmaceutical company, yet she found herself researching teacher preparation programs while working in the field. 

That pull toward education eventually led her to Prince George’s County’s resident teacher program, where she landed her first teaching position as a middle school science teacher. What followed was a series of leadership opportunities recommended by mentors who recognized her potential before she saw it herself. 

“My principal at the time would say I see something in you. Why don’t you become the department chair?’” Booth said. “That’s how I stepped into leadership.” 

From department chair to eventually principal, Booth continued to grow into roles that allowed her to expand her impact on students, teachers, and the broader school community. 

“I believe principalship was the best decision I ever made,” Booth said. 

Bringing Temple Back to Her School Community 

Although Booth's path did not lead to medical school as she once expected, it ultimately brought her back to the idea of helping others. Today, she is pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership at Temple University. When searching for a doctoral program, Booth wanted one that would challenge her as a leader while also providing meaningful support and she found both at Temple. 

Now as a doctoral student at Temple, Booth says her coursework has strengthened the way she thinks about leadership and decision-making. 

She pointed to classes focused on ethical and democratic leadership as especially impactful, explaining that they challenged her to reflect more deeply on education systems, equity and the importance of hearing different perspectives. 

“The program has been phenomenal for me,” Booth said. “It’s made me become a stronger leader.” 

Rather than separating her role as principal from her role as CEHD student, Booth brings the two together. Ideas from her coursework often turn into conversations with staff, new approaches to professional development or moments of reflection about how to better support students and families. 

She also described CEHD as a place where she feels supported not only by faculty, but by classmates who share similar experiences as educational leaders. 

In many ways, Booth's original goal of becoming a doctor was not left behind—it simply took a different form. Through her work as a principal and doctoral student, she now helps create opportunities for young people and supports the growth of entire school communities through education and leadership. 

The Moments that Stay with Her 

When Booth talks about her students, her voice noticeably changes. She speaks about them with pride, excitement and deep care. 

One former student once told Booth she had no interest in going to college. Years later, that same student returned to tell her she was thriving as a biology major. 

“She said, ‘You really played a role in my life,’” Booth recalled. Another former student graduated from a university after serving as student government president and is now preparing for a career in education herself. 

For Booth, those moments are reminders of why the work matters. 

“When I first arrived here at Tech Prep, there were very few students going to college,” Booth said. “I promised myself that 10 years from now, more students would have a plan.” 

Some of those students are now attending Temple as well. Booth shared that hearing about her experiences at Temple encouraged several students to apply. 

Creating a School That Feels Supportive 

Booth’s focus on relationships extends to teachers, too. She shared that one of her first goals as principal was improving teacher retention and creating a culture where educators feel supported.  

Booth credits strong teacher retention to communication, layered support systems and creating moments of joy throughout the school year. Sometimes that looks like professional development and coaching. Other times, it looks like birthday celebrations, snack carts or staff TikToks that help lighten stressful weeks. 

“If they don’t feel supported, they are not going to want to teach,” Booth said. “My job is to make sure everyone feels welcome and part of the family.” 

Continuing to Learn 

Although Booth now leads an entire school community as a principal, she still sees herself as someone who is learning and growing. 

“We don’t know it all,” Booth said. “I personally still need to be coached and developed.”