Schultz steps in at Delano Elementary

Posted on: Aug 26, 2021

From the outside looking in, often from the opposing side of a volleyball court or through the testimony of friends, Rachel Schultz had developed a certain perception of the Delano schools and community.

“I thought it was just a classy place. There’s a tradition of class and high standards, and I think that comes through to others,” Schultz said.

The new principal of Delano Elementary School had ample opportunity to develop that impression as a longtime volleyball coach at the club, middle school and junior varsity levels, and also as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator in the Big Lake and St. Michael-Albertville school districts.

“Delano has such a great reputation,” she said. “There’s not a lot of turnover here. There’s longevity in the staff. (Former DES Principal) Darren Schuler was here for years. There’s something to be said for that, because it usually means the community is great. The culture is great. That’s something I not only want to be a part of, but I want to partner with to help carry on that great experience for kids and families.”

Schultz, a Monticello resident, began her duties in Delano on July 1 and helped oversee the summer school program. She also set about meeting staff members and familiarizing herself with the community. So far, her experiences as an employee have validated her impressions as a visitor.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said. “I feel so comfortable here already, and it hasn’t been that long. Everybody has been so welcoming and genuine and friendly.”

Educational background
Schultz grew up in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and came to Minnesota to attend St. Cloud State University, where she majored in elementary education.

Her mother was a high school English teacher who also taught French for a time, and her father was a biology teacher.

“Education runs in the family,” she said with a laugh.

Another step on the road to her career in education was her experience as a high schooler working for the Community Education parks and recreation program in her hometown. She ran children’s programs with themes like “art in the park,” managed nature-based craft projects, supervised field trips and more.

“I just really enjoyed working with kids. I love learning and teaching, so that’s sort of where the draw was,” Schultz said.

While in college she had the unique opportunity to study abroad and volunteered at multiple schools in England over a six-month period of time. She then returned home and did her student teaching in Big Lake, where she was ultimately hired, and where she spent the next 15 years teaching first and second grade. What did she enjoy about the elementary age group?

“They are little sponges, young kids, and they’re so innocent,” she said. “Most kids that age are like, ‘Yes! School! I love my teacher! I love everything about it!’ That’s motivating to me.”

Literacy development was and remains a particular point of interest.

“I’m fascinated by early learning of reading and how that comes together for kids. I love that whole process,” said Schultz.

Eventually Schultz shifted into instructional coaching – teaching teachers – which she did for five years in Big Lake. She also spent six years teaching for St. Mary’s University after earning her master’s degree.

“I did some independent consulting too,” she said. “I just had a passion for literacy and providing interventions for students, so I developed my own classes, piggybacked them with St. Mary’s, and reached out to surrounding districts.”

One of the districts where she helped teachers hone their skills, back in 2011, was Delano. Courses helped teachers advance in their graduate coursework, or earn licensing credits or other certificates.

“I loved teaching the kids. I wasn’t burnt out. I had just looped with a second-grade class at the time, and I was so happy doing it,” said Schultz in explaining her transition to administrative work. “But eventually I felt like I could support teachers in another way.”

Schultz pursued her administrative credentials and joined Fieldstone Elementary in St. Michael-Albertville as the dean of students before coming to Delano.

“I know people who have lived and worked here, and they never had a bad thing to say about Delano,” said Schultz. “So when I saw the job posting, it was exciting.”

Goals for the year
Schultz said she aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the local educational landscape.

“I want to know who is in the elementary school, where they’re coming from in the preschool world, and where they’re headed,” she said. “I want to have that cohesion among our campus and buildings, and get to know and build relationships with staff and students and families.”

It will also be a year to tread carefully forward in regard to pandemic learning.

“Last year was like a whirlwind, just coming in every day not knowing if you or your class might get sent home (to quarantine),” said Schultz. “Now I feel like there’s a little more ground to try to move forward. We’re not out of it yet, obviously, but we’re going to be in a good place this year, I think, to make some gains in supporting kids.”

Outside of work
Schultz’s husband Greg is a branch manager at Spire Credit Union in Elk River. The couple has two daughters, ninth-grader Hadley (14) and seventh-grader Klara (12), who are active in the Monticello schools.

“We’re involved in a lot of their activities, of course,” said Schultz. “Other than that, I love playing volleyball and coaching volleyball. That’s a big part of my life. And we enjoy spending time with family and friends.”

Overall, Schultz said she is simply excited for what’s to come.

“I’m just looking forward to getting the school year started and being a part of this district,” she said.

 

Post Categories: Elementary School