Page 24 - TTMNSummer2025

Leadership
Page 24 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Ashley Farrington of Birchview Elementary in Wayzata Public

Schools Receives National Award

“We try to include various members from
A Culture of Belonging and Champion for Equity and all departments on one of these teams,” said
Achievement Representation Farrington. “This shared responsibility and
Since stepping into leadership at Birch- Recognizing the importance of com- collective approach allows me to achieve
view, Farrington has led transformative munity among leaders of color, Farrington some balance and trust my team to do the
initiatives rooted in inclusion, collaboration, founded the MESPA BIPOC Affinity Group important work.”
and academic excellence. One of his stand- in 2022 to support principals of color across Farrington’s commitment to shared
out accomplishments is the rebranding of the state. What began with five members has leadership and collective responsibility helps
Birchview’s core mission to “You Matter” grown to nearly 50, offering an affirming space ensure that every staff member is empowered
(#AtBVYouMatter), a message that permeates for collaboration and professional growth in a to take an active role in the school’s success.
school culture through murals, books, pledges, role that can be isolating.
and daily practices. This guiding principle “As we strive to increase representation A Shared Commitment
is more than a motto—it is the heart of the in our schools for our kids, it starts with our Farrington believes that a positive
school’s identity. In student interviews, 98% leaders. We want to create mirrors for our climate starts at the front door. Through shared
of students reported that adults at Birchview students to see leaders who look like them. leadership, visibility, feedback loops, and fre-
help them feel good about who they are. We also know that our principals need safe quent celebrations, he has cultivated a school
Farrington’s data-informed and rela- spaces to navigate this hard job,” Farrington where every voice matters—staff, students,
The Minnesota Elementary School Prin- tionship-centered leadership has also yielded stated in his application. “I believe that our and families alike. Lastly, implementation of
cipals’ Association (MESPA) is proud to tangible academic gains. Last school year, BIPOC Affinity Group is providing the neces- circle practice around the school has allowed
announce that Ashley Farrington, principal Birchview exceeded its goal to improve sary support needed for our principals of color all voices to be elevated and help the school
of Birchview Elementary in Wayzata Public reading proficiency, achieving a 7% increase in and I am so grateful that I could be helpful in accomplish its goal: “At Birchview, you
Schools, has been named the National Asso- students making typical or aggressive growth supporting the creation and facilitation of this matter!”
ciation of Elementary School Principals’ 2025 on FASTBridge assessments and boosting group.” “Principal Farrington exemplifies what it
National Distinguished Principal (NDP) from MCA reading scores through targeted literacy Building Capacity and Leadership means to lead with heart, vision, and purpose,”
Minnesota. support and robust PLC collaboration. said Michelle Krell, MESPA Executive Direc-
Farrington will be honored alongside “Ashley is an authentic and intentional Within the School Community tor. “His leadership has not only elevated
other state honorees this fall in Washington, leader who wears his heart on his sleeve and Farrington is also dedicated to fostering Birchview but also strengthened the broader
D.C., for his visionary leadership, unwavering leads with passion,” praised Bret Domstrand, leadership within his own school. He believes principal community across Minnesota.
commitment to equity, and exemplary impact Chair of the NDP Selection Committee. “He in building capacity with the incredible indi- We are thrilled to celebrate him as our 2025
on school climate, student achievement, and is unapologetic about advocating for students viduals that make up the Birchview school National Distinguished Principal.”
community connection. and doing what’s best for them. Beyond that, community. To this end, Farrington has estab- Courtesy of The Minnesota Elementary
“Every kid has a superpower. We need to he genuinely loves his school community and lished three core building teams: the Building School Principals’ Association (MESPA)
foster an environment to help every student be includes them in every decision he makes. Instructional Leadership Team, the Bobcat
successful,” Farrington said in his final NDP Birchview is fortunate to have a leader who Pride Team (Culture and Climate), and the
interview—a sentiment that defines his leader- makes such a meaningful difference.” Equity Team. These teams, all led by facilita-
ship philosophy. tors, play a pivotal role in executing the school’s wayzataschools.org
growth plan and carrying out its key goals.

Meet Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year, Linda Wallenberg

Continued from Page 1

and awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star ists from a group of 31 semifinalists. There • Amanda Jagdeo, Hamline Elemen- • Linda Wallenberg, Eden Prairie High
from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf, King were 142 candidates for this program year. tary School, Saint Paul Public Schools, School, Eden Prairie Schools, English, 9
of Sweden. She has authored two gymnastics The 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year pre–K & 12
books: Fundamental Gymnastics and Play-By- finalists (listed alphabetically, with school, • Zoe Kourajian, Edgewood Middle Education Minnesota, the 84,000-
Play Gymnastics. district, subject and grade[s] taught) are: School, Mounds View Public Schools, member statewide educators union, organizes
Many of “Wally’s” students have gone on • Stacy Bartlett, Stillwater Area High U.S. history and girls’ leadership, 7–8 and underwrites the Teacher of the Year
to be professional poets, professional hockey School, Stillwater Area Schools, biology, program. Candidates include pre-kindergar-
players and Olympic medalists. However, 10–12 • Soren Olesen, Roseau High School, ten through 12th-grade teachers, ECFE and
she says her proudest achievement is to have Roseau Community School District, ABE teachers from public or private schools.
inspired countless students to become teachers • Katelyn Bruce, Lake Harriet Lower welding, machine shop and work-based
– including at least three Minnesota Teacher of Campus, Minneapolis Public Schools, learning, 11–12
the Year finalists in the past five years. second grade • Sean Padden, Roseville Area Middle
• Ben Cuevas-Rengstorf, Roosevelt High School, Roseville Area Schools, health, www.edenpr.org
12 Educators selected as School, Minneapolis Public Schools, 7–8
culinary arts, 9–12
2025 Minnesota Teacher of • Christoph Dundas, Austin High School, • Araceli Pastrana, Eagle Heights
Immersion,
Eden
Prairie
Spanish
the Year finalists Austin Public Schools, band, 9–12 Schools, third grade
An independent selection panel of 21 • John Horton, J.J. Hill Montessori • Kong Vang, Washington Technol-
leaders in the areas of education, business, School, Saint Paul Public Schools, ogy Magnet School, Saint Paul Public
government and nonprofits selected the final- grades 1–3 Schools, ethnic studies, 9–12