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- Featured Principals Nov 2023
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How and why did you become a principal? During my ten years of teaching, I was fortunate to work for three different principals, each of whom brought different leadership qualities to the principal position. I was given various leadership opportunities and quickly started to see the greater impact I could have on a school. My passion for education and the desire to make a positive impact on the students' lives is at the foundation of my decision to leave the classroom and shape our school's environment by creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment.What are you most proud of in your work? As a facilitator of opportunities, I am extremely proud of the collective effort by our students, staff, parents, and school community that makes Chanhassen Elementary such a special place to grow and develop. Students excelling not only academically, but socially and emotionally is source of pride.What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? It is our goal to increase our overall Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment scores by 2%. For the past 3 years, we have also included a goal of increasing the scores on the MCAs for our students of color by 6%. As a school we chose which targeted groups to include in our goal. Our Building Equity Leadership Team (BELT) helps guide such decisions. We create personalized action cards to determine how we will support our students and close the achievement gap. We know it is important for students to feel safe and cared for at school, so we pair our identified students with check and connect adults in the school. We want them to feel valued, trusted, seen, and heard. Depending on the needs of the student, it could be a monthly, weekly, or daily check-in. The adult becomes a safe, reliable person with whom they build a meaningful relationship. We believe it’s vital for students to feel that they have at least one adult at school to whom they can go to if they need help or wish to share some news. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? It's important to regularly assess your situation and make adjustments as needed to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. While I love being at school with my students and staff, I find time to rejuvenate and recharge by spending time with my family, cruising on the boat, duck and pheasant hunting, and chilling with others by a bonfire. What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? Make relationships a priority! Build strong connections with staff, students, and parents. An effective school relies on collaboration and trust. Listen actively, be approachable, and foster a supportive school community that creates a love for learning! How many years have you been a principal? |
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How and why did you become a principal? I became a principal with a clear purpose in mind. My passion for education and unwavering belief in the power it holds led me on this journey. I wanted to see every student succeed, to specifically inspire black and brown students who deserve every opportunity to excel, to end the disparities in special education and create an equitable learning environment. I believe in all students and their limitless potential, and I'm committed to providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive in an inclusive, fair, and empowering educational system. What are you most proud of in your work? As a principal, what I'm most proud of is the positive transformation I've witnessed within our school community. I take pride in the success of our students, the inclusive and welcoming school culture we've cultivated, and our collective commitment to addressing disparities in education. It's immensely fulfilling to see our students thrive and to create a space where every learner can reach their full potential. What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? Student-led conferences for our 3rd to 5th graders are vital because they empower our young learners to take charge of their education. These conferences instill a sense of responsibility and ownership in their learning journey, boosting their confidence and communication skills. It's a powerful way for them to reflect on their progress, set goals, and engage their families in their academic success. Together, we're nurturing independent, lifelong learners. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? Balancing work and life as a principal can be challenging, and it took me a while to understand this. I prioritize delegation, time management, and setting clear boundaries to ensure I have time for self-care and personal life. I make time for family and friends, I make time for my personal fulfillments and enjoyment, and most important I learned to make time for me. What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? First and foremost, make sure you have a great work and life balance. Secondly, be open, empathetic, and approachable to all students, staff, and stakeholders, and you'll find your journey as a principal to be fulfilling and impactful. Finally, be the change for each and every student as they are depending on you. How many years have you been a principal? |
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How and why did you become a principal? In my classroom teaching years, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I had to be a teacher leader, leading teams of teachers at my building and at the district level. Those experiences led me to a district position as Director of Curriculum and Instruction. I enjoyed the work in supporting staff, but I quickly realized that my heart was truly back in elementary buildings - working side-by-side with teachers and building staff, but most importantly, seeing students each and every day. Those little faces are the daily reminders of why we do what we do. What are you most proud of in your work? My school was recently honored by being named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of my exceptional staff, our dedicated students, and supportive parents. Together, we have created a thriving learning environment that celebrates academic achievement and each and every student’s growth. What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow? Countryside uses a WIN (What I Need) Time schedule, and it has proven to be a game changer for ensuring all students are getting exactly what they need for their academic growth. My team works collaboratively in planning for student interventions and extensions, and our students are aware of and can articulate what they need each day too. In addition, Countryside Strong - our version of Character Strong - helps us create a language and a way of being together that celebrates who we are as a school community and how we support each other. We begin each day with reminding each other to "Be Strong, Be Kind and Be Well" as we make it a great day of learning together at Countryside. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? Finding that balance, especially in recent years, has been extremely challenging. And even though I'm not very good at it, I try hard to live by what I am constantly telling my staff - "Family First!" If I put it on my calendar, there's a better chance of making it happen:) What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? Build your team well and lean on your teammates... Our job as principals is much easier when we hire well-qualified staff who will "fit" with our building team's culture because then we know they will collaborate well together to serve the needs of our students and families. Also, I have been blessed to be part of an amazing elementary principal team. We lean on each other daily for little things and big topics, and it is wonderful to know that no matter what we have each other's backs. Principals have hard jobs, and everyone needs to find their "team." How many years have you been a principal? |
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How and why did you become a principal? I was a classroom teacher for 19 years and loved my job working with students! Through a variety of leadership opportunities, my eyes were opened to the value in becoming a principal and providing leadership for all learners, from children through adults. I earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Scholastica and EdSpecialist Degree from Concordia St. Paul. Upon completion of the EdS Degree, I was hired at ROCORI. What are you most proud of in your work? Relationships! Student-centered, value driven relationships are the core of what I do. I am proud to envelop the importance of relationships within the ROCORI PBIS, MTSS and next level initiatives that form the foundation for our littles! What is a challenge you face at work? The challenge I face is staffing, from substitute teachers to looking ahead to the impending shortage of educators. We need to address the shortage NOW. For our future. | What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced? Balancing is tough. Setting personal guidelines helps. Turning off my phone for a few hours each night and being intentional in not checking emails during that time has granted dedicated and needed time with families and friends. What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful? Do everything with students in your soul. Rest easy when you know beyond a doubt that each decision was made with the best interest of kids at heart. How many years have you been a principal? |