Featured Principals: March 2024

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How and why did you become a principal?

I became a principal because I wanted to create a learning environment where students could see themselves every day when they walked into our school.

What are you most proud of in your work?

That I have over 45% of licensed staff of color. This reflects my student demographics. It important for students to see their reflections (windows and mirrors) when they walk into a school each and every day.

What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow?

I developed a leadership plan to recruit and retain staff of color. Also creating a culture of collaboration and a school climate of continuous improvement.

What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced?

I meditate every morning by reading the Bible and keeping myself grounded. I also stretch in morning to relax myself before my school day.

What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful?

Be Yourself! Don't try to be someone else. Always be transparent and don't avoid courageous conversations. We can't change things that we ignore.

How many years have you been a principal?

10 years

How and why did you become a principal?

As a child, I never had educators that were reflective of who I was as a student or who looked like me physically. It was very isolating being in an educational setting that was homogenous and not reflective of who I was as a person. When I decided to go into education I wanted to be in an environment that was diverse and inclusive where students could see themselves in the staff that were supporting them.This was a driving factor that led me to become an administrator. When I decided to become a principal this allowed me the opportunity to have an impact and become a reflection of the students that I was serving and have those students see themselves in me. I also wanted to inspire and uplift young people in order to make a difference in their lives.

What are you most proud of in your work?

The work that I am most proud of is empowering students to take charge of their educational journey and guiding them along the way to accomplish those goals. When I see my students achieve at the highest level and find success in the outcomes, I know my work has had an impact.

What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow?

One of the biggest successes that we have had at our school is the incorporation of arts in all of the academic areas to support student learning and emotional growth. The use of the arts provides a strong connection with the curriculum and students are able to retain and learn new information through the use of the arts and perform at a higher level as a result.

What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced?

The strategies that I use to maintain a work life balance is maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep. I also set boundaries with when my work day starts and ends as well as when I respond to e-mails and other work related tasks.

What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful?

I have three pieces of advice I would give new principals. First, look, listen and observe what is happening in the school environment before making significant changes around you. Second, the knowledge that you have acquired in school will not prepare you for the practical experience on the job. Finally, take care of your physical and mental health, especially your first few years on the job.

How many years have you been a principal?

12

How and why did you become a principal?

My path to the principalship was much more of a winding one than a straight line. I always wanted to be a teacher and I absolutely loved my 29 years in the classroom. Being a principal was never on my radar at that time. I was fortunate to work in a strong district (Waseca Public Schools) that provided me with various peer & student leadership opportunities. Ironically enough, MESPA's Executive Director Michelle Krell was my principal at that time. She was the one who not only gave me the opportunities, but also encouraged me to consider returning to school to secure my specialist degree in Education Leadership. After receiving my degree from Minnesota State University-Mankato, I was fortunate to hired by Saint Peter Public Schools. I have been blessed to serve as the principal at South Elementary School for the past 10 years.

What are you most proud of in your work?

I value the relationships that have been built throughout my career.These include the ones that I have & have had with my students, their families, my staff, administrative team, community, & my fellow principals within the MESPA organization. Nobody can do this job on their own. It takes everyone working as one & leaning on one another to make things happen.

What's something that's had success in your school that you think other principals could borrow?

I love the culture our school has about taking care of kids, all kids. We have spent lots of time defining what is important to us and focusing our attention on that. From learning about trauma & how to support healing, to working with community organizations to get our families what they need. Get to know who you serve and never stop trying to make things better for your students.

What are some strategies you use to keep your work and life balanced?

My secret to keeping my work and life balanced is to recognize that the struggle is real and ongoing. However, one thing that I remind myself of frequently is to think about life as a series of ups and downs. By remembering this when things happen, I am able to shift my thoughts from an overwhelming, "Here's another thing," to a more manageable, "Here's the next thing."

What piece of advice would you give a new principal OR what piece of advice have you gotten that has been most useful?

My advice to a new principal is to recognize that everyone is continuing to learn and grow on a daily basis. You will make mistakes and that is all part of the process. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to change it and try again. There is a tremendous pressure to feel like you need to have all the answers when difficult situations arise. The reality is that what you really need to have is perseverance to see them through to resolution.

How many years have you been a principal?

10 yrs as a principal, 29 yrs as a teacher