Leaders in Education
October is National Principals Month and we want to showcase some of our MBU alumni who are making a difference through education. We truly believe education is valuable and that our educators play a huge role.
Danielle Todd
Duello Elementary, Wentzville School District, Principal
Degrees: Bachelors in Elementary Education, Masters in Administration, Specialist in Administration, Doctorate in Education
Q: How has MBU empowered you to change students’ lives for the better?
A: MBU has connected me with educators that would have been otherwise, outside my realm. Connections are key when advocating for kids.
Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: “I wanted to be a principal because it means being part of an even larger family than just a classroom. It’s my job to make sure that our students, parents, and all staff feel loved and supported! I get to bring smiles, wipe tears, and work through frustrations with others. I never know what each day will bring and I love the challenge of that. Bonus — I get the most hugs in the place”
Q: How do you hope to affect students’ lives?
A: “I hope to be a trusted adult that they can come to for a smile, hug, and to know they are loved. I want EVERY child to know that I love them and would go to the ends of the earth to help them.”
Kelly Sollberger
Valley Park Middle School Principal
Degrees: Doctor of Education
Q: How has MBU empowered you to change students’ lives for the better?
A: “MBU provided a flexible and student centered learning environment that ensured I could further my education, while still giving my all to my students. Collaborating with other adult learners in leadership positions gave me the opportunity to bounce ideas and learn from the experiences of other administrators.”
Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: “I wanted to be a principal because it was the perfect balance of being able to serve students, adults, and the community. I am a creative problem solver, and as a principal I get to envision what school could be and work towards that vision everyday.”
Q: How do you hope to affect students’ lives?
A: “My hope is that every student that I serve learns how to persevere through challenges, respect and appreciate diverse perspectives, listen empathetically, and show care to both other people, and themselves.”
Jack Twellman
Principal at Chaminade College Preparatory School
Degrees: Masters in Educational Administration
Q: How has MBU empowered you to change students’ lives for the better?
A: “The faculty at MBU has used their real life experience in education to help guide and inspire us. They have shown us the that school administrators can have a deep impact on the students in their school.”
Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: “I enjoy working with faculty and students to help improve a school academically, socially, culturally and spiritually. I love working with teachers and giving them the support they need to be able to do the great things they do in their classrooms.”
Q: How do you hope to affect students’ lives?
A: “I hope to be a role model for our students. My goal as their principal is to hold high expectations for them which will hopefully motivate them to become the best version of themselves. Our students would hopefully see from me what consistency, integrity, patience and forgiveness look like on a daily basis.”
Amanda Middendorf
Assistant Principal at Bayless Elementary in Bayless School District
Degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State, Master of Education from William Woods, Specialist in Education from Southeast Missouri State and Doctor of Education at Missouri Baptist
Q: How has MBU empowered you to change students’ lives for the better?
A: “MBU empowered me to be a more reflective practitioner through research. I still enjoy scouring the same education journals I began reading more frequently during my studies at MBU and it has become a part of my schedule as a leader.”
Q: Why did you want to become a principal?
A: “I always wanted to be a teacher and once I became a teacher I realized I could make a difference in more student lives as a principal. My day to day life as an administrator is never the same and I can always count on it to provide laughter from adults and children alike!”
Q: How do you hope to affect students’ lives?
A: “Part of our district mission statement is to empower students’ to find the best possible version of themselves and it is 110% what I work towards everyday.”
