Because of MESPA Principals...

Because I am running to be the Minnesota Elementary Principals Association (MESPA) Representative to the National Association of Elementary Principals (NAESP), I had the opportunity to speak at MESPA's 2019 Institute. The purpose was to share the impact that MESPA's Principals have had on me so that I can be better for our students, staff, and families at school, but also making me a better father and husband. I am running because I am eager to repay my debt to MESPA's Principals by being their voice on the regional and national level.

As I was presenting, there was only time to share a very small sampling of stories of how MESPA Principals have welcomed, supported, and uplifted me to improve me as a principal and person. The help has paid many dividends to the couple of thousand students and families I have had the pleasure serving over the last twelve years. As I did not get to all the stories I had hoped to tell at Institute, I will do my best to retell them here. This is just a very small sample of the support that has been received either directly or indirectly to support me as a principal. The theme is Because of MESPA Principal...

Because of MESPA Principal Jean Clark, I was welcomed into MESPA organization with a hand written note when I was in my first month in the profession. It was just what was needed as I was a young principal and was the only licensed administrator in the BOLD District on a daily basis as our superintendent had just been deployed on a military assignment. The offer of help and guidance was so appreciated and a much needed welcome to the group at the time.

Because of MESPA's New Principal Seminar, I met Eric Skanson and Abe Rodemeyer along with several other first year principals. We spent the day laughing about whose jobs we had applied and/or interviewed for the summer before. The bonds that were built are still used today. Twelve years later, Eric and Abe are still people I turn to when advice or a good laugh is needed.

Because of the Southwest MESPA Principals, especially Patti Machart, I was welcomed with open arms and given a voice early in the principalship. Patti was great about greeting me with a big smile and always asking me how things were going both professionally and personally. It was just what was needed to help a newcomer build confidence and grow. That type of support has continued on with the Central MESPA Division today.

Because of MESPA Principal Tim Bell, I learned how incredibly cool principals can be in a student's eyes. While visiting the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, I was seated by a young lady and her mother at a shared table. As we were talking, I asked the young lady where she went to school. As soon as she said Five Hawks Elementary School, I commented on how I knew the principal was Mr. Bell. The look in the young girl's eyes was incredible as her principal must have been very famous because some random guy at a play knew her principal. How cool that must have been for her! It made me wonder if kids see all of us that way.

Because of MESPA Principals Brad Gustafson, Bret Domstrand, and Richie Kucinski, the fourth graders at Oak Ridge Elementary now make daily video announcements mostly on their own using TouchCast. They are able to do that because Brad, Bret, and Richie were willing to meet on a summer day to share stories and informal professional development with each other. It was just one afternoon, but it has had a tremendous impact on the students of Oak Ridge Elementary.

Because of MESPA Principals Patrick Glynn, Sam Fredrickson, and the other MESPA 21st Century Office Crew, there is now more time to be "Out and About" and in classrooms with kids. The learning from that crew has made me more efficient, able to prioritize better, and be more student focused. I have come to believe in 21CSO principles so much, that I now am giving back as a presenter myself.

Because of MESPA Principal Mark French, the climate and culture of of Oak Ridge Elementary have been forever changed for the positive. Mark introduced me to a Voxer and Twitter group called Principals in Action. It is a collection of principals from around the country that lean on each other for support and provide guidance. The group provides a daily opportunity to see and hear how others are doing things differently to be better for students. Mark also pushed me to add the #GoodNewsCalloftheDay to Oak Ridge. Just halfway through our first year making good news calls, we have already connected with 95 students and their families. The pure joy seen and felt by kids and parents is heartwarming. Some of the parents have never received a positive phone call in the middle of the day before. It is powerful!

Because of MESPA Principal Jessica Cabeen, I am a better father and husband. It is because of Jessica's work around creating balance in our lives as principals, that I have made tweaks to how I live when I am not at school. She is a champion for principals as parents and I am forever grateful to her.

Because of MESPA Principal Debbie Morris, I know I send my own kids to a school that has a principal that loves and cares for them. My children have such an advantage in life because Debbie has nurtured an environment that has allowed children to thrive.

Finally, because of MESPA Principal Dawn Brown I am at ease with this election as I know the MESPA Principals are in great hands no matter the outcome of the vote for NAESP Representative. I have learned and grown because Dawn Brown. She too is an outstanding voice for MESPA Principals.

This is just a small sample of the power that you all as MESPA Principals have had on those that I care for as a father, husband, and principal. I am forever in debt to the outstanding principals of MESPA and would love to represent you as the NAESP Representative.