The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Dr. Fatima Lawson, principal of L’Etoile du Nord, St. Paul School District (ISD #625), 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, Lawson follows the philosophy of Sandra Parks from the Natural Child Project who says, “Teach children what to think, and you limit them to your ideas. Teach children how to think, and their ideas are unlimited!”

Lawson was nominated by Katherine Holmquist-Burks, principal at JJ Hill Montessori School in the St. Paul Public Schools who stated that Dr. Lawson has developed St. Paul’s French Immersion into a high achieving, vibrant school of excellence in St. Paul schools. “Her tenacious leadership is obvious as this school is highly sought by parents in the entire Twin Cities’ metro area. As a leader within our collegial group of St. Paul administrators, Dr. Lawson serves in every capacity possible to improve administrative situations and the entire district’s impact on students. Dr. Lawson’s courage to speak out on important issues will be vital as we look for further change in education,” stated Holmquist-Burks.