As a first year principal, I fully understand and respect that my formal
education could take me so far. For me to be successful, I need to
continue to learn on the job and reach out for support. My MESPA
membership is an excellent resource for such support. The organization's
website, regional meetings, the MESPA Institute, and casual
conversations/mentoring have all been extremely valuable for my
professional growth. Thanks MESPA! – Jillynne Raymond, principal, Pine Island Elementary, Pine Island
“MESPA has served me well as a Minnesota principal. It is truly an organization of people who care about the future of our children.” -- Mary S. Baier, Ed.S., retired, Owatonna
“As a new principal the regional MESPA meetings have been an invaluable mentoring opportunity for me. It has given me a chance to grow my professional learning community and another group to bounce ideas off.’ – Jason Berg, principal, Lincoln Elementary, Owatonna
“MESPA is the single most importance resource that I use on a weekly basis. I feel the association is constantly informing all principals of ways to better themselves and their schools by actively participating in the numerous professional opportunities in being 21st Century Leaders.” -- Jim Borgschatz, principal, Bluff View Elementary, Lake City
"MESPA has always been a support not only with staff development opportunities and resources but with building a unique networking system for principals. As a practicing principal I appreciated working with others throughout the state with division work, the MN School of Excellence program, and mentoring, Since my retirement I have found that many of the individuals who I met through the association are now once again colleagues in the supervision of teacher candidates. I will always be grateful to the MESPA staff as they have always gone above and beyond in being of service at any point of time. I look forward to remaining connected and a big thanks goes to all who have made this organization professional in every aspect." -- Judy Davis, retired principal, Winona
“The world of a principal is often very solitary, especially for those of us who are relatively new to the profession. MESPA has opened up the doors of communication with other principals and resources around the state helping me discover ways to improve, cope, grow, learn and succeed with our staffs and our students. Thanks in no small part to MESPA, none of us are alone.” -- Jacob Donze, PreK-3 principal, Plainview-Elgin-Millville Elementary
“Being a member of MESPA has made me a much stronger instructional leader. I have been able to collaboratively work with other principals for support, for encouragement, for reflection, and for professional development. MESPA truly is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth by strengthening the role of educational leaders across the state. " -- Michelle Krell, principal, Kasson-Mantorville Elementary
“For me, MESPA is my "down the hall" resource. Back when I was a teacher, when I had a question, an idea, or situation that I was pondering, I knew various places "down the hall" that I could stop in to collaborate. Although MESPA isn't down the hall, I utilize it as the same type of resource. I benefit from a network of people that I am acquainted with through MESPA. I have resources available on the website and with a simple call to the MESPA office. Each time we get together at a MESPA function, I come away with the understanding that I am not alone in the many issues and tasks that we face in the principalship.” -- Dave Riebel, principal, Lewiston-Altura Elementary, Lewiston-Altura
“As a member of MESPA the two items I value most are the opportunities to meet and connect with others as well as learn and grow professionally. Through MESPA I have met other principals across the state and nation while developing the skills necessary to be an effective leader. I can honestly say that my experiences within the organization have maximized my ability to be the school leader I am today.” -- Abe Rodemeyer, principal, Byron Elementary School, Byron
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