Greg Lange, principal, East Union Elementary

Greg Lange is the principal of East Union Elementary School, the smallest elementary school in District 112, serving approximately 200 children in grades 1-5. The school embraces a multi-age philosophy. While first grade students are in standalone settings, East Union combines second and third grade together, and fourth and fifth grade together. This philosophy allows for more individualistic instruction, a teamwork model, and consistency of having a homeroom teacher for two years.

As principal, Lange believes: “It is my responsibility to ensure all students achieve their greatest potential by inspiring teachers to promote self-refection and professional growth through teaching and learning which is thought provoking, based upon ‘Best Practices’ in education, and inspires the students to become actively involved in the learning process. The Minnesota School of Excellence program took us on a meaningful analytical endeavor identifying our strengths and areas needing improvement.”

In the words of the school’s mission statement: East Union Elementary School is a nurturing, multiage community committed to the continuous progress of all learners.  The school embraces the Responsive Classroom^® approach, placing as much emphasis on the social and emotional growth and development of each child as they do on the academic growth. They meet students where they are, and guide them through academic standards while addressing skills for a successful life.

Each teacher at East Union Elementary School is a vital member of a grade level or development team. East Union has chosen to support team building by creating a modified block schedule to allow teachers to have common prep time. Teachers use this time not only for planning activities in their individual classrooms, but for collaborating with their team members in looking at common assessment and aligning curriculum with standards. They also use the time to discuss technology integration opportunities, assessment strategies, delivery methods, and interpretation of assessment results.

East Union is very proud of its reputation as innovators and collaborators. The staff constantly reflects on teaching and uses common assessments, using the data to construct successful teaching strategies. While the school’s standardized testing scores have consistently put East Union students at the top in the state, staff does not rest but constantly seeks to improve their craft. They collaborate with other professionals face to face and via technology such as Skype, blogs, locally, nationally, and internationally. Their flexibility allows staff to implement theories gained through a wide range of professional development, modifying each to fit the individual needs of the students they serve.

One of the school’s strengths is that it seeks leadership contributions from multiple sources and have strong community partnerships: i.e., PTO, site council, Rapids Lake Wildlife Refuge, Hispanic students, reading volunteers, Art Adventure Program through the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  Their site council  -- consisting of support staff, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members – has an active role in researching and reflecting on past practices and future expectations by examining skills students will need to succeed.

The East Union staff believes that the teacher-child-parent link is vital in the learning process, and they embrace the opportunity to partner with parents and community in working with students. They work as a team to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of each child. Through catering to a child’s individual needs, East Union Elementary School enables individuals to become confident, productive, motivated and self-directed life-long learners.