Page 26 - TTMNFallWinter2025

Leadership
Page 26 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Hussein Receives Doctoral Outstanding Contribution in the

Field Award from Hamline

(EdD) cohort to recognize for their outstanding
contributions in the field of education. Hussein
became the first female Somali principal in
Minnesota while finishing her doctoral work,
which included a dissertation that examined
the challenges and successes of implement-
ing restorative practices, and studied efforts to
reduce racial disparities in disciplinary data.
“[Hussein] continues to share this work
with other colleagues and elementary princi-
pals to improve K-12 education in Minnesota.
We are honored that she is a Hamline gradu-
ate,” Hamline University EdD Program
Director Trish Harvey said.
Hussein is in her fourth year as principal
at Gideon Pond Elementary.
“Winning this award is meaningful to me.
It reflects the hard work and dedication of my
parents, who instilled in me a passion for learn-
ing and a love for community,” Hussein said.
“To me, community means leading with and
for students, staff, and families — listening,
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 from Hamline University’s School of Educa- supporting one another, and creating spaces
Gideon Pond Elementary Principal Dr. tion and Leadership. where everyone can thrive. I’m excited to con- www.isd191.org
Salma Hussein recently received the Doctoral Every year, Hamline University selects tinue this important work in District 191.”
Outstanding Contribution in the Field award one student from its Doctorate of Education

Obama Middle School’s Rebekah Julie Biersack Receives 2025 Distinguished

Orensten Wins State Library Award School Library Supporter Award

Two months into the new school year, Independent School District 196 clarifying questions, and help solidify their
Orensten got more good news when she was Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan requests to ensure the best possible outcome
named the School Media Innovator of the Year Julie Biersack, for their needs," said colleagues. "
at the 2025 Minnesota Library Association Con- assistant adminis- Biersack's most significant advocacy
ference. This award honors a licensed school trator at Emerald came during the 2024-2025 school year,
librarian, or technology integrationist who has Trail Elementary when several buildings faced retirements of
made innovation and the development of new School and former library media specialists, and the hiring of
ideas and teaching philosophy using school learning and tech- replacements was in question. Biersack advo-
library, maker, or technological practices and nology specialist cated for maintaining full-time library media
ideas. In her previous role at Battle Creek Middle for District 196, specialists and presented a strong educational
School, Orensten mentored her school's genius has been honored and literacy rationale for doing so.
squad and continually pursued grants and dona- with the 2025 Dis- "She knows the value of library media
tions to provide her students with a makerspace, tinguished School specialists and how students succeed when
robots, art supplies, a Cricut machine and more. Library Supporter Award for her advocacy they have a library champion to instill a love
"The library is a special place that gives and unwavering support of school library of reading for pleasure and get the right books
students opportunities that they might not oth- media specialists. into each student’s hand," noted the nomi-
erwise have. I was bound and determined that The award is presented by the Minne- nation. "Julie is a true supporter of school
my students would have every opportunity that sota Library Association (MLA) to recognize libraries and works to make them better each
schools with more funding would have," she individuals who have significantly supported day in District 196."
Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625 said. "I want all my students to know that the school library operations and advanced the Her commitment to professional devel-
When Obama Middle School opened its library is for them and that they are welcome in role of school libraries in education. opment, understanding library operations,
doors for the first time this August, library media the space." Throughout her tenure at District 196, and dedication to ensuring every student has
specialist Rebekah Orensten got to do what most As one of the people who nominated her Biersack has served as a liaison between the access to a qualified library media specialist
librarians can only dream of: Create her own for the award said: "Rebekah exemplifies what district's library media specialists and admin- have made a lasting impact on District 196.
library from the ground up, not only deciding it means to be a 21st-century library media spe- istration. While not a library media specialist The award was presented at the 2025
what books and resources to order, but how to cialist: student-centered, tech-savvy, and deeply by training, she became a strong advocate for Minnesota Library Association Annual Con-
arrange the bookshelves, chairs and tables them- dedicated to empowering young minds." those she worked with, doing everything in ference in October.
selves. The new library, which is shared with her power to support them and learn about the
the adjoining Obama Montessori, has quickly valuable work they do.
become a hub in the newly renovated building, "When she didn't initially understand
where students of all ages can discover their new www.spps.org the 'why' behind a request from the library www.district196.org
favorite book on every visit. team, she would listen to their concerns, ask