Cheryl Kortuem, principal at Crooked Lake Elementary School, Anoka-Hennepin School District

“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.” -- President Barack Obama

In her principalship, Cheryl 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.”

Kortuem was nominated by Paul Anderson, principal at Sand Creek Elementary in the Anoka Public Schools, and the North Suburban Division Leadership Team who stated: “Cheryl has served in various MESPA leadership roles, from Membership Committee Representative to Division President, and now back to Membership Representative. She is an advocate for principal organizing and for the principalship. Cheryl is committed to her students and creating a learning environment in which students can achieve to the highest of their abilities. Cheryl is active with legislators in order to promote public schools and the great things that are happening each day for students. She is dedicated, creative, and passionate about school. Cheryl is an active member of MESPA and an active member in our division. Cheryl was an easy choice for the Division Leadership Award.”

Among her most significant career accomplishments, Kortuem includes: the opportunity to teach students PreK to post-secondary; her first teaching position; and her first principal position.

Past honors and recognition received by Kortuem include: National Honor Society of Educators, Pi Lambda Theta; and being a member of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year selection committee.