|  | | MESPA Home > Honors > MESPA Division Leadership Award > 2008 Awards |  | Sharon K. Schultz, Northern Division
 | | Sharon K. Schultz, principal of Middle River Elementary School, Greenbush-Middle River School District (ISD #2683) |
Sharon K. Schultz was nominated for the Northern MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award by her peers. In making the nomination, Suraya Driscoll, principal of South Point Elementary School, East Grand Forks, MN, said, “Sharon is a great principal who never stops trying to solve problems. She finds innovative ways to provide the best possible programming for her students. Whatever challenges her school has faced Sharon never made excuses, but has found ways to her students can excel. Sharon is a leader of teaching and learning. She plays an active role in planning and supporting instruction, ensuring that time and resources are focused on achievement. She has assisted the region in many ways through leading the Northern division and participating in networking sessions -- her leadership and integrity are admired.”
There is a quote by Kahlil Gibran that Schultz believes sums up her own educational philosophy: “The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.” These words have served her well in her leadership role.
In accepting the Division Leadership Achievement award, Schultz listed shifting staff meetings to Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) among the most significant accomplishments of her career. The term professional learning community describes a collegial group of administrators and school staff who are united in their commitment to student learning; they share a vision, work and learn collaboratively. She also cited initiating local training and use of Count Me In disability awareness puppets for service projects, and said the third most significant accomplishment of her career was working with teachers to start a formal mentorship program.
Past honors received by Sharon Schultz include recognition as district-level Teacher of the Year. Schultz has been a member of MESPA since 1999-2000 and has served her colleagues in the Northern division as president-elect and president from 2005-2007.
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