Page 20 - TTMNFall2026

Leadership
Page 20 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

MESPA Names Mary Holmberg as 2026 National Distinguished Principal

coaching conversations strengthen Her intentional outreach has increased
instruction and build teacher confi- participation and strengthened collabora-
dence, leading to measurable student tion and trust between schools and families,
growth. resulting in improved student engagement
• Innovative systems: Holmberg devel- and a greater sense of belonging.
oped master schedules that maximize Recognition from MESPA Leadership
instructional time and intervention “Mary Holmberg exemplifies the very
access while fostering collaboration best of school leadership,” said Michelle
and leadership with staff. Krell, Executive Director of MESPA.
• Strong Community Partnerships: “In addition to her extraordinary impact
Holmberg maintains a visible presence on students and schools, Mary has made
at school and community events, build- meaningful contributions to the Minnesota
ing trust and leveraging partnerships to Elementary School Principals’ Association.
support students and families. Not only is she a member of the second
• Student Leadership Opportunities: cohort of MESPA Fellows, she has also been
Initiatives like Student Senate empower a mentor in Leadership Launch from the
students to lead school improvement very beginning. She is helping develop and
efforts and promote positive behavior. inspire the next generation of principals.”
The Minnesota Elementary School icant accomplishment as a principal and the • Integrated PBIS, SEL, and Data About the National Distinguished Prin-
Principals’ Association (MESPA) proudly foundation of our school’s success,” Holm- Systems: Monthly lessons and data col- cipal Program
announces Mary Holmberg, principal of berg wrote in her application. laboration ensure alignment between The National Distinguished Principal
Richmond Elementary School and John Clark Holmberg attributes this success to a academic instruction and social-emo- program, established in 1984, recognizes
Elementary School in ROCORI ISD 750 as a collaborative, data-driven approach to teach- tional development. outstanding elementary and middle-level
2026 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) ing and learning. Through structured “Data Together, these practices create a cohe- principals who set high standards for instruc-
from Minnesota. Dig Days,” staff analyze and triangulate data sive system that supports the whole child and tion, student achievement, character, and
Holmberg was selected for her excep- points for academic and behavioral data to fosters a positive, inclusive school climate. climate for the students, families, and staff in
tional instructional leadership, commitment to design targeted interventions and enrichments their learning communities.
student growth, and ability to cultivate strong for students. Strengthening Family and Community Do you know an amazing Principal?
school-community partnerships that elevate Through her leadership, she partners Engagement Nominate them to recognize them for their
outcomes for all learners. with teachers to model best teaching prac- Recognizing families as essential work! We will notify the nominees when
A Leader Focused on Student Growth and tices, active participation in administrative partners, Holmberg has worked in close col- the application becomes available (fall).
Nominations are due Nov 1. Applications are
Excellence coaching, and consistent walkthroughs. These laboration with parent-teacher organizations due Monday, January 5, 2027. https://www.
to strengthen and expand opportunities for
At the core of Holmberg’s leadership is strategies reinforce professional development, engagement through events such as family mespa.net/Honors
a relentless focus on student success. Under sustainability and ultimately student growth. picnics, school carnivals, color runs and
her direction, Richmond Elementary School Best Practices That Drive Better Schools community celebrations. “Recognizing the Courtesy of the Minnesota Elementary
earned designation as a National Blue Ribbon Holmberg’s leadership is distinguished need to engage families as essential partners School Principals’ Association.
School and has been recognized by U.S. News by a set of proven best practices that enhance in learning, I prioritize creating welcom-
& World Report as an award-winning school teaching, learning, and school culture: ing, inclusive opportunities for families www.rocori.k12.mn.us
in 2025 and 2026—demonstrating sustained • Instructional walkthroughs & feed- and community members to reconnect with
academic excellence and equitable student back loops: Non-evaluative classroom our schools in meaningful ways” Holmberg
outcomes. “Student growth is my most signif- walkthroughs paired with ongoing emphasized in her application.

David Davis is Minnesota Teacher of the Year Continued from Page 1
His classrooms became places where Minnesota Teacher of the Year, in a letter of Innovator Award, the Music for All Elemen-
student voice and creativity lead the learning. Teacher of the Year Award recommendation. “He has been open about the tary Excellence Award and Yamaha’s “40
Students help shape playlists, new genres are Davis is the 62nd recipient of the pres- ways his perspectives have evolved and uses Under 40” recognition.
introduced regularly, and project-based learn- tigious award and the second from St. Louis that growth to build learning spaces where A leader in advancing more inclusive,
ing opportunities allow students to connect Park Public Schools to be named Minnesota students see themselves as artists, thinkers and student-centered education, Davis serves on
music to their own experiences and identi- Teacher of the Year. An independent selection collaborators.” the National Association for Music Educa-
ties. Students who once doubted their musical committee representing Minnesota leaders in At Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, tion’s Council of Innovations, participates
abilities begin creating and sharing their own education, business and government chooses Davis teaches music to students in kindergar- in the Minnesota Department of Education’s
music with confidence. the Teacher of the Year from individuals who ten through fifth grade, designing a curriculum Culturally Responsive Arts Education cohort
Not only do these grants serve as a are nominated and who then choose to become that emphasizes student voice, creativity and and is part of Education Minnesota’s Racial
way to support students, but they provide an a candidate. cultural responsiveness. His students compose Equity Advocate program. He also leads the
opportunity for teachers and staff to express “A major issue in public education is that original music, collaborate in bands and Changemakers in Music Education project,
themselves in their teaching. students often have too little ownership over connect their learning to their own identities, connecting educators across Minnesota who
“The whole inherent brilliance that our their own learning,” Davis said. “The future of families and communities. are working to expand access and opportunity
students have, teachers have too. We want public education can be meaningful, relevant Davis has earned national recognition for in music education.
teachers to feel fulfilled, and their brilliance and joyful when we trust students’ inherent his work in music education and innovation. Courtesy of Education Minnesota and St.
also needs to be reflected in the curriculum,” brilliance, creativity and intrinsic motivation.” He was the first Minnesotan named a top 25 Louis Park Public Schools
he shared. “David is, quite literally, a living monu- semifinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educa-
ment to change in both mindset and practice,” tor Award and has received honors including www.slpschools.org
wrote Jess Davis (no relation), the 2019 the Give A Note Foundation Music Education