Page 23 - TTMNSpring2025

Leadership
Teaching Today Minnesota | Spring 2025 Page 23

Eden Prairie Schools’ Dr. Mitch Hegland Named 2025 NAESP

National Outstanding Assistant Principal from Minnesota

fostering school cultures where students MTSS, and the Science of Reading. His formative impact exceptional assistant
thrive, staff flourish, and families feel con- commitment to fostering teacher efficacy principals have on their school communi-
nected. This award reflects Dr. Hegland’s ensures that students at Eagle Heights ties. This award honors his dedication to
unwavering commitment to building a benefit from innovative, high-quality fostering inclusive, thriving environments
lifelong love of learning and community instruction. and highlights the critical role assistant
among all stakeholders. A cornerstone of Dr. Hegland’s lead- principals play in shaping the future of
Another hallmark of Dr. Hegland’s ership is his strong focus on parent and education.” Congratulations to Dr. Mitch
leadership is his dedication to fostering an community relations, working tirelessly Hegland’s incredible achievements and
inclusive, positive, and proactive school to ensure families feel heard, valued, and his well-deserved recognition as the 2025
culture. With his help, Eagle Heights supported. Whether greeting students with NAESP National Outstanding Assistant
Spanish Immersion has been recognized a smile at drop-off or attending commu- Principal from Minnesota.
as a PBIS Sustaining Exemplar School, nity events, Dr. Hegland models the joy For the second year in a row, an Eden
thanks to the implementation of a school- and connection that makes Eagle Heights Prairie Schools associate principal has
wide approach that focuses on proactive a vibrant, welcoming school community. received this honor! Dr. Hegland joins
interventions, restorative practices, and Dr. Hegland’s influence extends far last year’s recipient, former Prairie View
amplifying diverse cultures. “He has led beyond his professional role. “One of Elementary Associate Principal Brett
Congratulations to Dr. Mitch Hegland, our PBIS initiative with passion, teach- Mitch’s most outstanding qualities is Lobben, as an NOAP winner. Please join
associate principal at Eagle Heights ing children to learn from their mistakes his selflessness,” noted Felicia Thames, us in congratulating Dr. Hegland on this
Spanish Immersion, for being named and develop skills for lifelong success,” Ed.S., assistant superintendent of elemen- incredible achievement and well-deserved
the 2025 NAESP National Outstanding asserts Hernán Moncada, Principal at tary education in Eden Prairie Schools. recognition!
Assistant Principal by the Minnesota Ele- Dr. Hegland’s school. “He champions an “He is a volunteer at the Simpson House,
mentary School Principals’ Association! approach that values personal growth, a homeless shelter in Minneapolis and
The prestigious recognition honors Dr. building resilience in both our students PROP, the local food shelf in Eden Prairie.
Hegland’s exceptional leadership, dedi- and staff.” He demonstrates a deep commitment to www.edenpr.org
cation and contributions to students, staff Dr. Hegland also champions profes- giving back to those in need.”
and families at Eagle Heights and beyond. sional growth for staff, partnering with MESPA Executive Director Michelle
The NAESP NOAP program high- educators to implement transformative Krell praised Dr. Hegland, saying, “Dr.
lights assistant principals who excel in practices like Responsive Classroom, Mitch Hegland exemplifies the trans-

Fridley High School Assistant Principal Named Minnesota

High School Assistant Principal of the Year

with staff giving a heart- • A teacher praised Lamii as a “cham- focus on student success, and dedication
felt standing ovation. pion of restorative practices with to fostering a positive school culture.
The journey to this a community-first approach, who Known for his approachability and strong
award began with Lamii brings his authentic self to every- relationships with students, Zarlee builds
being selected as the thing he does.” connections by being present and engaged
Hennepin Division Assis- • Principal Kelly McConville high- with them, offering support and checking
tant Principal of the Year. lighted Lamii’s leadership: “He has in on their progress. Teachers and staff
From there, he advanced the enormous task of being one assis- praise his promotion of restorative prac-
to the state level, where tant principal for 900 students, and tices and his active role in community
he completed a rigor- he excels in supporting their social, engagement, using methods like commu-
ous application process. emotional, and academic needs. He nity circles to repair relationships and
A 24-member MASSP leads the PBIS team and fosters a create open communication. As a leader,
board reviewed appli- collaborative culture. Lamii’s growth Zarlee effectively balances the demands of
cations from across as a leader has been incredible to his role, ensuring systems of support are
Minnesota and chose watch.” in place to meet students’ academic and
Lamii to represent the Lamii’s humility, dedication, and social-emotional needs while fostering a
During a staff meeting in a full FHS state as Assistant Princi- connection to the school community collaborative culture among staff.
media center, the Minnesota Association pal of the Year. earned him this well-deserved recogni-
of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Lamii’s impact on the Fridley High tion. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lamii
Executive Director, Bob Driver, surprised School community stood out in testi- expressed his gratitude to the staff and his fridleyschools.org
Assistant Principal Lamii Zarlee with monials from students, teachers, and his family for their unwavering support.
an incredible honor. Accompanied by principal.
Lamii’s family—his mother, wife, daugh- • A student shared: “I feel very well From MASSP - Lamii Zarlee, Assis-
ters, and in-laws—Driver announced that supported and safe at our school. Mr. tant Principal at Fridley High School,
Lamii has been named the Minnesota High Zarlee has a great relationship with has been named the 2024-2025 Minne-
School Assistant Principal of the Year for students, remembers their names, sota High School Assistant Principal of
2024-2025. The room erupted in applause, and takes time to check in on us.” the Year for his exceptional leadership,