[0:05] - I'm Dr. Teri Staloch, [0:06] and I'm delighted to serve [0:08] as the Superintendent of Robbinsdale Area Schools. [0:10] One of my priorities is to champion our district mission, [0:13] which is to inspire and educate all learners [0:17] to develop their unique potential [0:18] and to positively contribute to their community. [0:22] I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, [0:23] 'cause I wanted to change the world [0:24] and make it a better place, [0:26] and teaching is in my blood. [0:28] I was fortunate to grow up on a farm in southern Minnesota [0:31] with a family that loved me and instilled in me [0:33] the values of hard work, community, and education. [0:37] My grandmother, who lived be 101 years old, [0:40] taught first through eighth grade students [0:42] in a one-room schoolhouse. [0:44] I honor her commitment to all learners, [0:46] and her influence and joy is alive in me each day. [0:50] My father, a farmer, was always the first person [0:53] to lend a hand to anyone in need. [0:55] This commitment to service was likely a key driver [0:58] to Dad serving on our community school board. [1:01] After graduating from high school, [1:03] I attended Luther College, [1:04] where I played volleyball [1:05] and earned a degree in English education. [1:08] I spent 10 years teaching English [1:10] to middle school students in St. Charles. [1:12] I loved it. [1:14] As a teacher, you never know the impact [1:16] that you have on others. [1:17] However, over the years, [1:18] I've received some amazing letters and emails from students, [1:22] thanking me for the difference I made in their lives. [1:25] They taught me to listen to their voices and stories, [1:27] which is why I loved being an English teacher. [1:30] They taught me to meet them where they were, [1:32] to accept them as they were, [1:34] and to push them to achieve beyond [1:37] what they ever thought was possible. [1:39] Just as students have always been my teachers, [1:42] I've also had important friends and mentors [1:44] throughout my life [1:45] who have pushed me out of my comfort zone [1:48] to expand my impact beyond the classroom [1:50] and encouraged me to lead. [1:52] As an educator who is married to an educator [1:55] who belongs to a family of educators [1:57] and spends free time with friends who are educators, [2:00] I engage in constant conversation about what students need, [2:03] what staff need, what leaders need, what families need, [2:07] and how those needs can only happen [2:10] if we transform our schools [2:12] to ensure equity and excellence for each student. [2:15] As a proud parent to two sons, Tate and Tegan, [2:18] I watched them navigate school [2:20] and I constantly worried about what they needed [2:22] to be successful. [2:23] What I have learned from my sons [2:25] is they wanted and needed the same things [2:27] that I want every child to have to be successful: [2:31] they need relationships. [2:32] We watched our sons work with many staff [2:34] who believed in them, [2:35] who had high expectations of them, [2:38] and who supported them. [2:39] They also need effective instruction [2:41] for academic excellence, [2:43] and finally, they and all students [2:45] need a sense of love and belonging. [2:47] Our boys liked going to school [2:49] because they got to be with their friends [2:50] and they were involved in athletics and activities [2:53] beyond the classroom, [2:54] where they learned valuable lessons [2:56] about themselves and others. [2:58] I know the experience that Tate and Tegan had in school [3:01] is not the experience of all of our students. [3:03] However, it is my goal that all of our students [3:08] receive an excellent education grounded in relationships [3:12] and a school culture that provides a sense of belonging [3:14] for kids to authentically show up. [3:18] I can't separate who I am as a leader [3:20] from who I am as a wife, a mom, [3:24] a friend, or a family member. [3:30] I live and lead with passion, joy, and love, [3:33] and I'm excited to positively impact [3:35] Robbinsdale Area Schools. [3:37] We have so many great things happening in our district. [3:40] I believe it is a perfect time [3:42] for all of us to look through a new lens [3:44] and rediscover Rdale as we unleash our potential. [3:48] It's no coincidence that Rediscover Rdale [3:51] is the name of our strategic plan, [3:54] a roadmap to engage students, families, and staff [3:57] in the joyful work of learning and teaching. [4:00] I will continue to build [4:01] on the Rediscover Rdale Strategic Plan, [4:04] which emphasizes that students [4:05] are truly invested in their education and in learning, [4:09] families believe their children are truly welcomed, [4:12] included, and safe at school, [4:14] and staff members feel supported [4:16] on a path toward academic and operational excellence. [4:20] As your new superintendent, [4:22] you can expect to find me throughout our seven cities, [4:25] from sports and fine arts and activities [4:27] to community events and festivals, [4:29] and you'll definitely find me in our schools [4:32] to see the dynamic learning [4:33] and the magic that takes place in our classrooms. [4:36] I'm thrilled to have the opportunity [4:38] to lead Robbinsdale Area Schools [4:40] and I look forward to working in partnership with you [4:43] as I listen, learn, leverage talent, and lead [4:47] to ensure our mission comes to life for each student, [4:51] as we all believe in one another, [4:53] belong to the Rdale community, [4:55] and become who we are meant to be.