 | Julie Nielsen, East Suburban Division
 | | Julie Nielsen, principal at Middleton Elementary School, South Washington County Schools |
Nielsen sums up her thoughts about
being a leader with her favorite quote:
“Champions get up the next day.”
She said, “With the many changes and limited resources, it could be easy
to do what has always been done. I
believe that champions get up each day to make a difference. In big or small ways, our students are
counting on us.”
Among her most significant career
accomplishments, Nielsen includes:
-- Working with both high school and youth level players
while she was a high school basketball coach. Athletics have always been extremely important to
Nielsen. Her involvement as a
player and coach has shaped her skills as a leader: creating strong teams, defining roles within the team,
motivating others to take risks, and working and growing together.
-- Working in the Northfield Public Schools. Nielsen’s experiences in her four years
in the Northfield schools marked the beginning of her career as a
principal. Through hard work and
follow-through by all stakeholders, the school thrived. The resulting positive school culture
and the way business was conducted led to a focus on student needs. Structures were implemented that
allowed for input, communication and a clear vision. Students, staff and parents felt proud to be part of such an
incredible school.
-- Having the opportunity to return to South Washington
County Schools. Nielsen is now the
leader in one of the largest elementary schools in the state. She thrives on daily challenges. She said, “I love the challenges
presented for problem solving and improving our practice. I am extremely grateful for the people
I work with and have worked with, who have inspired me and helped me grow as a
leader and as a person.”
Nielsen was recognized as an
Educational All Star in the South Washington County school district in 2002.
MESPA members selected 12 of their
peers to receive the 2010 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. Nielsen was nominated by her East Suburban
division colleagues, who agree: “Julie is the type of principal we all strive
to be…she has tremendous knowledge and skills that she readily shares with
others. She leads by example,
always keeping her students’ best interests at the core of her decisions and
actions. No matter who you are,
you will learn just by being in her presence.”
|
