This is the second post in a three-part series introducing you to our new leaders.
Doug Schleif is the new principal of Hiawatha Academy Middle School. He was born and raised in Southern Minnesota, he’s been a principal for more than 20 years, and thinks relationships are the key to success as an educator.
- What was your most recent role before becoming principal?
I was an AP here last year. Before that I was a principal for the past 25 years. In 2018 my wife and I moved to China where I served as a principal at a Chinese National School. Going to China was something my wife and I always had on our bucket list. We had the adventure of a lifetime until it abruptly ended with the pandemic. Our school was 400 miles from Wuhan, China!
- Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Southern Minnesota and spent the majority of my childhood in Owatonna.
- Who was a K-12 teacher who made a lasting impact on you?
I think everyone, especially educators, have one teacher who really had a positive impact. My positive teacher was my field biology teacher, Mr. Thompson. Like I always tell my teachers, it wasn’t so much the content that he taught; It was how he treated us and what he expected from us. He was really exceptional at building relationships. You could tell he really cared.
- When did you realize you first wanted to become a school principal?
I was teaching elementary school and I was talking to the principal about additional education opportunities and she brought it up to me. She thought that I had the skills to do it. I had thought about school leadership before, but just needed that little push.
- Is there a quote or piece of wisdom that has a special meaning to you?
My field biology teacher Nells Thompson taught me that building relationships is key to everything. You have to have that relationship before any learning can occur.
- How would you describe your style of leadership?
I always describe it as being democratic. I like input. The more buy-in, the better chance that any new initiative is going to work. I try to be a good communicator and make changes based on what people have to say.
- What is your vision for your school?
We just have to accelerate the pace of academic growth. We have smart talented students who deserve the best education possible. We have to make some changes in terms of how we are teaching and the kind of PD we are giving our teachers.
- What are you most excited for this school year?
I'm most excited about being here for a year. I have built some good relationships. I know what I'm getting into. I’m confident we are going to see some significant growth.