Bakerfield Elementary School is excited to welcome Ms. Tara Sample as principal for the 2025–2026 school year. Ms. Sample has been part of Harford County Public Schools since 2004 and brings more than two decades of experience in education to the Bronco community.
Her career began in 2001 at Pocomoke Middle School in Worcester County, Maryland, where she taught 4th and 5th grade. Within HCPS, she has served as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher at George D. Lisby Elementary, spent eight years as a Title I Teacher Specialist at Magnolia Elementary, and most recently served five years as Assistant Principal at Riverside Elementary.
What excites Ms. Sample most about this new role is the opportunity to build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners. “Education is a relationship business, and I look forward to listening, learning, and collaborating so we can support teaching and learning together while carrying forward the vision of Our Community: Thinkers, Dreamers, Problem Solvers,” she shared.
Her vision for Bakerfield is to bring that vision to life by fostering a supportive environment where relationships are valued, curiosity and creativity are nurtured, and every scholar is challenged to reach their full potential. “Together, with care and accountability, we will achieve academic excellence and write our best chapter yet for Bronco Nation,” she said. Families can expect a leader who treasures students and prioritizes both their safety and growth. With the support of the school’s SRO, community partners, and Title I and Community Schools resources, she is committed to ensuring every scholar feels seen, heard, supported, and valued.
At the heart of her work is a love for teaching and learning alongside others. Ms. Sample enjoys seeing light bulb moments, planting seeds that grow over time, and creating opportunities for students to build leadership and confidently use their voices with respect. Outside of school, she enjoys relaxing with her husband, spending time with her granddaughter and grandson, reading, doing word search puzzles, walking, biking, and catching up on her favorite shows.
Ms. Sample also draws inspiration from powerful words and ideas. Two of her favorite quotes are, “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world” and “I never lose, I win or I learn.” She also finds guidance in books such as Love as a Business Strategy and If You Don’t Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students! which reflect her belief in leading with love, care, accountability, and support.
Ms. Sample is a big fan of the Super Bowl LIX Champion Philadelphia Eagles! And on Spirit Days, don’t be surprised if you see her in a tutu, showing off her Bakerfield pride.
Ms. Sample expressed her gratitude to the community, saying, “I want to thank the entire Bakerfield Elementary family for such a warm welcome—I already feel the love and pride of this community. I am committed to ensuring our scholars are safe, engaged, supported, and challenged to grow academically while developing healthy habits through Bakerfield Best: being responsible, encouraging others, showing respect, and taking ownership.”
With her experience, vision, and enthusiasm, Ms. Sample is ready to lead Bakerfield Elementary into its next great chapter.