The launch of a new school year is a season of renewal - it’s an opportunity for a fresh start for students and teachers alike. Things are especially fresh at Hiawatha this year because we have not one, not two, but THREE new school building leaders.
This is the first post in a three-part series introducing you to our new leaders.
We are excited to introduce Amy Kettunen Jahnke, the new principal of Hiawatha Leadership Academy - Northrop. She’s from Northeast Minnesota, she’s been a consultant, a district curriculum coordinator, and an elementary school principal, and she thinks being collaborative is the key to success as a school leader.
- What was your most recent role before becoming principal?
Most recently, I worked at the University of Minnesota Center for Applied Research in Education. I supported the implementation of a new reading curriculum and coached teachers and leaders. I also developed a course for Nevada administrators to learn about MTSS and press interventions. Prior to that, I had 7 years in the classroom before I became a district curriculum coordinator and then an elementary school principal.
- Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Northeast Minnesota and moved to Shoreview when I was 10. I’m a proud graduate of Shoreview High School.
- Who was a K-12 teacher who made a lasting impact on you?
Mrs. Deml, my 1st grade teacher. She taught me how to read, and she made learning fun. I quickly grew into being a voracious reader. She not only provided the skills and tools for decoding text, she taught me the love of a story and the love of learning.
- When did you realize you first wanted to become a school principal?
I knew I wanted to be a principal in my first year of teaching. I mentioned it to the principal that hired me and told her I thought it would be fun to have a big impact. It took me seven years because I had two little kids and had to get multiple degrees, but I did it.
- How would you describe your style of leadership?
Collaborative. I like to empower and build capacity in people to achieve more than they ever thought they could to best serve our students.
- What is your vision for your school?
My vision is that every student is achieving grade level targets in reading and math. We will have a strong core instructional program and strong intervention/enrichment programs to ensure each child is supported. I want to create a welcoming school community where kids are excited to come every day and parents feel welcome and valued as members of the child’s team.
- What are you most excited for this school year?
I’m most excited to get to know our students. I was able to start on May 20 but it was only a few short weeks before school ended. We’ve been doing a lot of planning for the kids' arrival. I’m excited to meet the kids and start to get to know them as individuals.