The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Cheryl Kortuem, principal of Crooked Lake Elementary, Anoka-Hennepin School District (ISD #11), with the 2011 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. Principals are responsible for a school’s instructional, school culture, and resource leadership. The award honors principals whose exemplary leadership and sustained efforts have made noteworthy contributions to the operation of effective school learning programs --  improving education, their communities, and their profession. She will be recognized by colleagues statewide on February 10, 2011 at the MESPA Awards Banquet – held at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel during the annual MESPA Institute, the statewide convention of Minnesota’s elementary and middle level principals.

In her principalship, Kortuem is guided by the words of President Barack Obama from his Inaugural Address, January 20, 2009: “Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”

Kortuem stated that her educational philosophy is to: “love life, excel in what I do and view challenges as opportunities; instill the love of learning in students and staff; and ensure that all students are successful in learning. To accomplish this philosophy, I strive to be prepared and do my best on a daily basis and build a strong, cohesive staff, who all have a part in the education of a child, including the certified staff, para-educators, child nutrition staff, clerical staff, building custodians, and bus drivers.”