Principal Brendan Bogart, Lincoln Elementary School – Alexandria Schools Named Minnesota’s 2023 NAESP National Distinguished Principal

(Roseville, MN, May 8, 2023) – Brendan Bogart (pictured above) principal of Lincoln Elementary in the Alexandria School District and a member of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), is Minnesota’s 2023 NAESP National Distinguished Principal (NDP).  MESPA and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) present the prestigious award.  Jon Millerhagen, Executive Director of MESPA-  “Brendan has been an active and supportive member of MESPA (Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association) and has gained high respect from his colleagues.  This recognition indicates that Brendan has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and achievements in his role as a principal, and we are proud to have him represent MESPA as our National Distinguished Principal.”
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Professional Learning Communities are an invaluable experience to grow professionally and build a sense of community with colleagues. You form a group, identify a topic, coordinate dates and times. If you’d like MESPA to apply for CEUs for you, the group has to meet for a total of 6 hours throughout the course of the year (for example, 4 times for 1.5 hours each). Then, send Christine a brief outline of what you plan to learn and talk about. When your 6 hours are done, send Christine an attendance sheet. This is a great way to earn 6 CEUs while learning about what you care about and building a community of support.

See Application             See an Example Application

The Principal Mentorship Program has Begun!

The Principal Mentorship Program kicked off on August 1, 2023. New principals, new assistant principals and experienced principal mentors from across the state gathered at the Double Tree in Roseville.  MESPA Executive Director, Michelle Krell led the day-long training to help new principals strategize about their first 90 days and learn about how to manage a school. Ann Mitchell, a Principal Leadership Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education, facilitated mentor training. All principals were provided valuable resources including the Principal's Calendar.

This program is adopting the cohort model to provide more connections to new principals and associate principals. Cohorts comprise of 4-6 mentees and two mentors.  In total, 16 mentors and 37 mentees are involved in this program. Mentors and mentees will meet on their own every other week and new principals will participate in monthly connects. The next connect is virtually on September 21. 

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Mahnomen   St. Cloud