2020 National Magnet Principal of the Year
MEGAN HEITKAMP
Salk Middle School
ISD 728
Elk River, Minnesota
Megan Heitkamp says becoming a teacher was not a linear progression; it was not something she had dreamed of doing since she was a young student. However, she does feel she was destined to be a teacher, to be a shaper of skills and to be a supporter of students overcoming challenges in and out of class. “I have a bias toward helping, and this factor has a positive influence over my journey,” she says.
As a magnet teacher, Heitkamp has focused on both the small steps within classrooms that build into the giant leaps toward systemic school culture changes. She is in a unique position teaching 7th grade students, and being the curriculum coordinator for the school’s magnet program. Because of this diverse role, she can concentrate on things that impact the students in her classroom, and zero in on helping teachers improve their work in regards to the magnet theme and the five pillars of magnet programming.
Heitkamp believes that teaching should be inquiry-based, authentically connected to the learners, and should help learners examine new perspectives with curiosity, not judgement. As she says, “It is my hope that learners participate in discussions about scientific and environmental issues as they begin to craft their own scientific values that will impact their decision-making. Learners need to be able to understand the results at doctor’s appointments, grasp the weather report in the media, and weigh the pros and cons of local and global environmental initiatives that have long-lasting impacts. Encouraging a deep scientific literacy is at the heart of my teaching philosophy.”
Congratulations to our 2020 Regional Teachers of the Year!
REGION I
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, The District of Columbia
DAVID VIESTO
The Aerospace/Hydrospace Engineering and Physical Sciences High School
Theme(s): Aerospace and Hydrospace Engineering
Grade(s): 9-12
Bridgeport Public Schools
Bridgeport, Connecticut
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REGION II
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Marianas Islands and Trust Territory of the Pacific
ATHENA MERTES
Thurman White Academy of the Performing Arts
Theme(s): Arts, Audio Video Technology, and Communications
Grade(s): 6-8
Clark County School District
Henderson, Nevada
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REGION III
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands
WAYNE WORTHLEY
Redland Middle School
Theme(s): STEM: Agriscience and Robotics
Grade(s): 6-8
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Homestead, Florida
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REGION IV
Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, International
Moore Square AIG/GT Basics Magnet Middle School
Theme(s): Gifted and Talented/AIG Basics
Grade(s): 6-8
Wake County Public School System
Raleigh, North Carolina
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REGION V
Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
Baton Rouge Magnet High School
Theme(s): Academic College Preparatory
Grade(s): 9-12
East Baton Parish Public School System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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REGION VI
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
Salk Middle School
Theme(s): Pre-Engineering STEM focus
Grade(s): 6-8
ISD 728
Elk River, Minnesota
Dr. April Guenzler