This is the third and final post in a three-part series introducing you to our new leaders.
Rachel Larson is the new principal of Hiawatha Collegiate High School. She has nearly three decades of experience in education. She loves Hiawatha’s culture because it reminds her of the small town where she grew up and everyone took care of each other, and she aspires to be a transformational leader that puts students first every day.
- What was your most recent role before becoming principal?
Rachel: I was a leadership consultant with the Center for Effective School Operations and Partner Ed. I became a leadership consultant after 26 years in public education. It was an honor to serve school systems to provide support to administrative teams. Previously, I served as a district administrator for over 10 years in various roles, including Director of Innovation and Personalized Learning. I was also a principal and a high school social studies teacher.
- Where were you born and raised?
Rachel: I was born and raised in Trimont, a very small town where everyone knows each other and taking care of each other is a core value. That’s one of the things I love about Hiawatha. It’s a strong community that has small-town values of caring for eachother.
- Who was a K-12 teacher who made a lasting impact on you?
Rachel: There are so many! But I’ll go with Rick Stenson, my high school Social Studies teacher. He opened up the world to me. He taught me to think outside of the area in which we were growing up and connect with my role in one big human family. He helped me learn to think critically, to collaborate, and to be creative.
- When did you realize you first wanted to become a school principal?
Rachel: I always thought I’d stay in the classroom, but then I started to realize that impact extended beyond the classroom walls. I was interested in how to help shape our experience for our students after they left my classroom. I was approached by a principal I respected to pursue my admins license.
- Is there a quote or piece of wisdom that has a special meaning to you?
Rachel: Paul Wellstone. “We all do better when we all do better.” I love it because it’s about lifting one another up every day.
- How would you describe your style of leadership?
Rachel: I hope to be a transformational leader - that’s what I aspire to be. Our students deserve leaders that put their students first and do their best every day. That includes asking the tough questions: how are we doing and how can we do better.
- What is your vision for your school?
Rachel: We are a collegiate prep high school. My vision is empowering students to have a voice to bring them into conversations to design what they need to feel prepared as they pursue their passion. I'm really interested in connecting with students and helping them find their purpose and potential and live lives they’ve wanted to live.
- What are you most excited for this school year?
Rachel: I’m thrilled to be a part of the Hiawatha team. I was a leadership consultant here last spring and I fell in love with this community. So when the position opened up. I knew if given the chance, I’d love to join this community and serve as a principal.