Featured Principals: May 2024

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How and why did you become a principal?

I taught elementary physical education for 10 years and during that time I participated in the Minnesota Education Policy Fellowship (MNEPF) program. It was during my time as a Education Policy Fellow that I was able to see myself as a school principal. I really love teaching and working directly with students, but I was in awe at the magnitude of the bigger picture which lies in principalship.

What are you most proud of in your work?

I am most proud of my ability to recognize that it is not the message that makes them uncomfortable, it's the package in which it is delivered. I pride myself on providing a safe and welcoming space for Black students and educators to learn and grow without feeling less than, isolated and/or unsupported. It is my hope that I am able to heal pieces of harm caused by the educational system in all, both adults and students through my commitment to ensuring they have a safe space to be their authentic selves.

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

Bringing humanity back into education! One thing that is important to the leadership team at our school is keeping humanity at the forefront. We all carry various titles and play a variety of roles in and outside of the school but we must never forget that the most overlooked title is human. Centering humanity when we speak to each other, problem solve and provide support for each other. Focusing on humanity has helped our school navigate difficult staffing issues as well as student concerns.

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

The best strategy I utilize is knowing my whole self. I know when I perform best and what I need to do so. I prioritize my mental and physical health (exercise and adequate sleep are a must!) and set firm boundaries around work and personal life.

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

Surround yourself with good support system.

How many years have you been a principal?

4

How and why did you become a principal?

When I graduated from college, I truly thought the only career I would ever have was an art teacher because I experienced such joy in helping students find their creativity. However, after taking on a few leadership roles within my district, I discovered a passion for contributing to a larger community and having the opportunity to serve all students.

What are you most proud of in your work?

One of the things I am most proud of is how our school has taken great strides in teaching the whole child over the past several years. We've implemented PBIS, a comprehensive SEL curriculum, restructured our MTSS processes, and doubled-down on our commitment to building genuine connections with our students and their families. All of the aforementioned practices have led to positive outcomes and an overall improved school culture and climate.

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

As a school, we are extremely good at providing interventions aligned with areas where students could use more support. However, about three years ago, our master schedule had some openings and rather than fill it with more intervention spots, we seized the opportunity to provide enrichment classes instead. Since then, our students have gotten to explore video productions, learn how to play the guitar, create fiber art, train for and run a 5K race, paint murals on the walls of our school, and more!

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

I'm still working on this...although I feel I've gotten much better about at least putting my computer away when I'm at home with my family.

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

You are a work-in-progress and a masterpiece at the same damn time. --Jess Sims, Peloton Instructor

How many years have you been a principal?

This is my 7th year.

How and why did you become a principal?

Being an Elementary Principal was not something I would have said was in my future when I began teaching. My teaching background was as a middle school Social Studies in a suburb of St. Paul. I always thought I would want to work with high school aged students. I didn't have a specific moment that helped me decide to pursue the Principalship, but I knew I wanted to be able to have a bigger impact on education systems and teaching and learning. Once I began taking my administrative coursework, I had the chance to work with some amazing elementary school teachers and administrators. Through their passion and joy, I found that I really wanted to work with elementary-aged kids.

What are you most proud of in your work?

I am very proud of the positive learning environment our school has created and maintained. I often hear from visitors and new staff how happy the people in our school are. I don't remember ever seeing my principals out and about or engaging with kids when I was a student. As a principal, I don't think I've gone an entire day without getting a hug from a student. The relationship between students and principals seems to have been a paradigm shift, and I'm really proud of the connections I've been able to build with students and families.

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

Our staff are really visible and present in the morning when students arrive. We've asked our support staff to arrive 15 minutes earlier than they're scheduled, which is paid, so that we can increase supervision and interactions with students. This has lead to a calm start to the day, but also provides more opportunities for students to interact with adults in the school. I think it's helped to foster a sense of "our students" as the kids sometimes connect with staff who they don't typically see during the day.

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

My wife and I communicate often about the seasonal changes and busyness of school. I try to plan which days I am going in early or staying late. This helps me stay in charge of my schedule and take a proactive approach instead of a reactive one.

The BEST thing I have done is take my work email off my personal cell phone. This simple move increased my personal happiness right away.

Finally, I try to model work life balance to my staff. I (mostly) do not send emails before 7am or after 5pm to staff. I utilize the "Schedule Send" feature in Gmail to get messages sent out, but I really do not want to bother my staff in the evenings or on the weekends when they should be enjoying their family time.

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

There are so many. I think one of the things that can be a challenge for teachers or administrators is working with upset parents. The best advice I have gotten in regards to this is: Parents who are upset usually fall into one of two camps. The first is they are concerned about their child's safety. The second is they are concerned about their child's happiness. If you can figure out which of the two the parent is concerned about, you can start to empathize with them and begin to work towards solutions.

How many years have you been a principal?

I have been in administration for 9 years. I have been a Principal for 4 years and I was an Elementary Assistant Principal for 5 years before that.

How and why did you become a principal?

My dad was an elementary school principal when I was a kid, and he always told me that service to our community was what kept him going. When I became an educator 20+ years ago, my dad kept prompting me to continue my education and serve as a principal. While the role has changed a lot since my dad led schools in the '70s and '80s, it's a privilege and responsibility that I am proud to continue.

What are you most proud of in your work?

I am fortunate to work with teachers who work collaboratively and use effective PLC protocols to strengthen our K-5 literacy interventions and 3-5 writing procedures. I continually see evidence of teachers gaining confidence and skill as they work with their colleagues.

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

We have already started finding ways to implement the Science of Reading practices into our PLC conversations. Fortunately, much of the research and practices have validated our current practices, and they have rekindled good conversations with our interventionists, special education staff, and general education staff about how we understand and respond to student reading and literacy in our K-5 classrooms.  We have also examined our scope and sequence for teaching literacy skills in science and social studies.

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

My wife and I have three children still in school, so as an educator, the work-life line gets blurred. I'm always asking questions to our kids about their experiences in school: who's using a flipped-classroom model, how visible the principal is during the day, how they keep notes and organize learning, what they talk about in advisory, the focus and process of their classroom discussions, etc. I'm always interested in knowing how the decisions and implementations that we make affect our students and how they view this place called school. On a more practical level, I do my best to avoid my smartphone after 6PM. I do my best, with the support of my colleagues, to avoid communications when we should be focused on our own families.  

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

Listen to and value the insights of your teachers and school community. It worked for my dad 50 years ago, and it still holds true today.

How many years have you been a principal?

6 years