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Leadership
Page 24 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Highwood Hills Elementary Principal Dr. Fatima Lawson Named Minnesota

2024 NAESP National Distinguished Principal

notable achievements, Dr. Lawson spear- work and dedication that many people have Principals Association (MESPA) for 23 years.
headed a remarkable turnaround at Highwood put into making this day happen. Together, we Throughout her long-standing membership,
Hill Polytechnic Elementary School, leading are shaping tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, Dr. Lawson has been a steadfast advocate for
the school out of corrective action and achiev- and changemakers. This award is certainly for the advancement of education and the empow-
ing notable success in student achievement. all of us. I am only the guardian of the trophy.” erment of educational leaders across the state.
She did this by having intentional conversa- Duane Dutrieuille, principal of Hazel For the past 3 years, she has served as the
tions with the three major groups of families Park Elementary School, and the person who Legislative Chair, leveraging her expertise
that represented about 90% of the student nominated Dr. Lawson, commented, “Dr. and passion to shape legislative priorities and
population. The Somali families, represent- Lawson’s advocacy and proactive measures to advocate for policies that support the needs
ing about 40% of the student body, wanted address issues of diversity, equity and inclu- of students, educators, and schools. Dr. Law-
their students to become doctors, lawyers or sion have resulted in tangible and positive son’s unwavering commitment to MESPA’s
engineers. The Karen families, representing changes,” said Dutrieuille. “She has worked mission has been instrumental in driving posi-
about 30% of the student body, wanted their tirelessly to ensure that every student, regard- tive change within the educational landscape,
students to learn the science of agriculture and less of their background, has access to a embodying the spirit of leadership and service
animal husbandry. The Latinx families, repre- high-quality education. Her work in this area that def nes the association’s members.
The Minnesota Elementary School Princi- senting about 20% of the student body, wanted is not only commendable but serves as a model Michelle Krell, MESPA’s execu-
pals Association (MESPA) proudly announces their students to learn something more hands- for other educational leaders to follow.” tive director aff rmed, “Dr. Fatima Lawson
the recognition of Dr. Fatima Lawson, on, hoping their students would go into the Bret Domstrand, principal of Lake exemplif es transformative leadership, dem-
Principal of Highwood Hill Polytechnic Ele- trades and eventually take over family busi- Marion Elementary, NAESP state representa- onstrating unwavering dedication to fostering
mentary School, St. Paul Public Schools, as nesses. After this input, Dr. Lawson and her tive and chair of the National Distinguished meaningful connections, fostering innovation,
the recipient of the prestigious 2024 National leadership team came up with a three-track Principal selection committee maintained, “I and championing the future of every student
Distinguished Principals’ Award. This award program, called, “The Polytechnic Program.” am immensely proud of the caliber of leader- and family under her care. Fatima has been
is presented by the National Association for The tracks include technology, engineering ship demonstrated by all three f nalists. Each an active and supportive member of MESPA
Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and and agriculture. candidate presented exemplary qualif cations (Minnesota Elementary School Principals’
MESPA. Dr. Lawson’s outstanding leadership, “This award means a lot to not only me, and a profound commitment to educational Association) and has gained high respect from
innovative initiatives, and unwavering com- but to the entire generation of African immi- excellence. Ultimately, Dr. Fatima Lawson’s her colleagues. This acknowledgment signif es
mitment to educational excellence have earned grants, and those who believe that earning exceptional achievements, innovative initia- Fatima’s exceptional leadership qualities and
her this esteemed accolade. such a recognition is far-fetched, regardless tives, and unwavering dedication set her apart, notable achievements as a principal. We take
Dr. Lawson’s remarkable journey as of one’s hard work and dedication,” ref ected earning her the well-deserved honor of the great pride in her representation of MESPA as
a principal is characterized by transforma- Dr. Lawson. “Coming from a very humble 2024 NAESP National Distinguished Princi- our National Distinguished Principal.”
tive accomplishments that have signif cantly background educationally, who would have pals’ Award.” Dr. Lawson extends her gratitude, “From
impacted the educational landscape and thought that I would one day be named among Dr. Fatima Lawson’s commitment my staff colleagues at Highwood Hills, to the
the lives of countless students, educators, America’s top educational leaders? I am extends beyond her exemplary leadership in families, students, and community members
and community members. Among her most certainly humbled and do not take this recog- her building; she has also been an invaluable
nition for granted, as this validates the hard member of the Minnesota Elementary School Continued on Page 25

MHS Career Academy’s Heigaard Earns Statewide Teaching Award

Moorhead Area Public Schools management program for high school students.
The Minnesota Association for Career Not only has Heigaard grown the program
and Technical Education has named Johanna in terms of numbers, with 33 students enrolled
Heigaard, a Family and Consumer Services this year and 90 already registered for 2024-
teacher at the Moorhead High School Career 25, but she has also worked to improve the
Academy, the 2023-24 New Teacher of the learning experience for her students. She has
Year for the State of Minnesota. Awarded to developed industry connections in the region,
teachers with less than f ve years’ experience engaging local businesses to provide real-
in career and technical education (CTE), the world learning opportunities and internships.
honor recognizes teachers who have made sig- In addition to her work with the culinary
nif cant contributions toward innovative and program, Heigaard also teaches classes such as
unique CTE programs. International Foods and Food Basics.
“Being honored as the MnACTE New As the winner of this year’s MACTE
Teacher of the year is incredibly humbling award for Minnesota, she is the state’s
and I’m so grateful,” said Heigaard. “Having nominee for the regional New Teacher of the
the chance to share my culinary passion with Year award. Minnesota is in Region III, which
my students while empowering them through also includes Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri
education is surreal. I’m very thankful to the and Wisconsin. Regional winners become
Moorhead school district and community sional with the West Fargo School District. said Career Academy assistant principal Holly f nalists for the national award, which will be
for seeing the positive benef ts of the Career She leads the Career Academy’s culinary Strand-Rysgaard. “That includes launching the announced in December.
Academy model and their continued support program, which she helped start during the culinary program, working to get it ProStart
of CTE.” 2022-23 school year. certif ed and expanding the program coming
Heigaard is in her second year as a FACS “Johanna has been a very bright light in into its second year.” www.isd152.org
teacher with Moorhead Area Public Schools the FACS department who has been willing to ProStart is a national two-year, indus-
after spending three years as a paraprofes- take on anything that’s been thrown at her,” try-backed culinary arts and restaurant