The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Gary Anger, principal of Red Pine Elementary, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District (ISD #196), 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. He 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 his principalship, Anger follows the philosophy of Elizabeth Andrew: “Good teaching comes not from behind the desk, but from behind the heart.”  As Anger stated: “Sometimes the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary resides in the moment at which passion enters what we teach and know.”

Anger was nominated by South Suburban Division President Dr. Susan Risius, principal at Vista View Elementary in Burnsville, and South Suburban members who stated: “Gary Anger is being nominated by our South Suburban Division because of his strong leadership in our division as well as at the state level. Gary has been president-elect and president of our South Suburban Division. He is presently co-chair of MESPA’s Institute. Gary has received MESPA Minnesota School of Excellence validation for his school. Gary was a pioneer in working with Dakota County by having his school focus on healthy choices, snack carts, and eating locally produced fruits and vegetables. He was instrumental in pioneering Safe School Zones and encourages students to walk to school as a healthy choice. Not only does Gary have a very positive reputation in our division and MESPA, but he is highly recognized in his own district as a leader due to his knowledge. He was asked to represent principals in the district’s referendum, supporting the education of ISD 196 students.”