From Corporate America to the Classroom: The Journey of Vallejo Charter School's Principal

When Janice Lubin accepted the role of principal at Vallejo Charter School after two years at Johnston Cooper Elementary and two years as Vice Principal at Hogan Middle School, she knew she was joining a school built on innovation, relationships, and a commitment to student success.

What she didn't know was that within her first two years, she would lead the school through two major transitions: relocating to a new campus and bringing together two school communities as Vallejo Charter School welcomed students, families, and staff from Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy.

For Lubin, those changes weren't obstacles—they were opportunities.

Her own life had prepared her for them.

Before beginning a career in education, Lubin spent years in corporate America and lived in communities across the United States and Canada. Along the way, she learned that change can be challenging, but it also creates opportunities to build stronger relationships and stronger communities.

"The automotive industry taught me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of continuously evolving," Lubin said. "Because our family relocated several times, I learned to embrace change, build relationships quickly, and see new experiences as opportunities to grow."

Born and raised in Atlanta, Lubin earned her bachelor's degree and first master's degree before beginning a career as a zone manager for Ford Motor Co. and later as a territory manager for Chrysler's MOPAR division. She worked with dealerships to improve marketing, customer service, sales, and profitability.

Her husband's career in the automotive industry took their family across North America. Over the years, they lived in California, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Ontario, Canada, and Louisiana, eventually returning to California.

Each move introduced Lubin to new communities, new schools, and new perspectives.

"No matter where you go, families want the same things for their children," she said. "They want them to be safe, happy, challenged academically, and given every opportunity to succeed."

That understanding would eventually shape her philosophy as an educator.

After taking time away from the workforce to raise her children, Lubin began volunteering at their school. She later became a substitute teacher and accepted a position as a school-to-work specialist with Seminole County Public Schools in Florida.

As her family continued relocating, she remained active in schools as a volunteer, room parent, and substitute teacher. After moving to Louisiana, her children's principal encouraged her to earn her teaching credential.

She took his advice.

Within four years of becoming a business teacher, Lubin was named Teacher of the Year at her school and Secondary Teacher of the Year for her district.

"It wasn't one single moment," Lubin said. "Volunteering, substitute teaching, and eventually teaching showed me how much I enjoyed working with students. Once I saw I was making a real difference in the lives of children, I knew I had found the right career."

Her success in the classroom led her into school leadership, where she believed she could make an even greater impact.

"As a principal, I realized I could create the culture, climate, and systems that support great teaching and learning while improving student achievement," she said.

Those leadership skills were put to the test when Vallejo Charter School relocated after Lubin's first year as principal. Soon after, the school welcomed the Mare Island Health and Fitness Academy community as part of the district's school consolidation efforts.

Drawing from a lifetime of adapting to new environments, Lubin focused on helping students, families, and staff feel connected throughout the transition.

"I've learned that people want to feel welcomed, valued, and respected," Lubin said. "When you build relationships first, you can navigate change together."

Today, she believes those experiences have strengthened the school community.

"I want Vallejo Charter School to be the kind of place where every student is excited to come to school each day, and every staff member and family feels welcomed and valued," she said. "Students do their best when they know they are cared for, challenged, and surrounded by adults who believe in them."

Lubin says one of the school's greatest strengths is its hands-on, project-based approach to learning. As a dependent charter school, Vallejo Charter School has the flexibility to adapt and innovate while preparing students for an ever-changing world.

She also values the TK-8 model. Having watched all of her own children attend TK-8 schools, she understands the importance of building lasting relationships with students and families throughout their elementary and middle school years.

"I love watching students grow," Lubin said. "Building lasting relationships with students and families and seeing children develop into confident young people is incredibly rewarding."

Looking ahead, Lubin is excited to develop the school's next charter petition and continue building on the momentum created by the school's recent transitions.

She is most proud of helping create school communities where students, staff, and families feel connected and committed to academic excellence.

"Your child will be loved, valued, and respected here," Lubin said. "We are committed to providing the best education possible so every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally."

Looking back, Lubin sees a common thread connecting every chapter of her life—from corporate America to classrooms, from Atlanta to California, and everywhere in between.

Every move taught resilience. Every new community broadened her perspective. Every career change reinforced the importance of relationships.

Those experiences continue to shape how she leads Vallejo Charter School today, proving that sometimes the most unexpected journeys prepare us for exactly where we're meant to be.