Wilson Elementary students won’t have to be sent to the office to meet their new principal.
Cassie Mitchell, who officially joined the district July 1, aims to be a very visible principal — and pal — for all the students in the building.
“I got into teaching because I loved being around the students. I don’t love being in the office,” said Mitchell. “I love going to lunch with the kids and getting to see who they really are, because I think you see who they really are at lunch and recess.”
Mitchell is heading into her first year at Wilson, and her 20th year as an educator overall. She spent the bulk of her career in North Minneapolis, and most recently served as an assistant principal with Lakeville Area Schools.
As principal, Mitchell wants to learn everyone’s name and a little about them. Coming from a school of 900 students, she expects that to be a bit easier this year. She grew up in Savage, and finds Wilson Elementary closer in size to the elementary school she attended. As a student, she loved her principal bringing a sense of fun to school, and hopes to bring that same energy to the role.
Mitchell received a bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in special education from Minnesota State University, Mankato and an education specialist degree from Concordia University.
“We are so excited to welcome Cassie to Owatonna Public Schools. She will be an amazing leader at Wilson and a great part of our team, as we work together on our mission of inspiring excellence in every learner, every day,” said Superintendent Jeff Elstad.
Mitchell knew she wanted to be an educator from an early age. Her aunt sold curriculum books when Mitchell was young, and would give her teacher’s guides. While many kids would be more interested in finding the answers to their homework, flipping through curriculum was a way for her to roleplay being a teacher.
In those days, her three younger brothers often served as her pupils.
“I was the kid that would line them up and play school. They hated it, but I loved it,” said Mitchell.
She’s explored a variety of avenues in the world of education, teaching kindergarten, third grade and special education, and recalls each one fondly. Over the years, took on more leadership roles with the encouragement of her mentor, a principal she previously worked with.
Mitchell said she’s excited for the opportunity to bring people together in a shared mission.
Over the summer, she’s been meeting with Wilson staff one-on-one to help lay the groundwork for the school year. She’s noticed a consistent theme from these meetings, with staff describing a close-knit, welcoming community as the distinguishing characteristic of Wilson. She’s looking forward to working at a school that feels like “one big family.”
Mitchell has worked in elementary for her entire career in education. She said she likes to witness the frequent “lightbulb moments” young children experience as they learn things for the first time.
“I think it’s the love of learning, that initial spark. You get to be that person that really lays the foundation for their learning experiences,” said Mitchell.
When she left for Mississippi, she didn’t expect to spend her career back in her home state — she’ll take the southern heat over a Minnesota winter any day. However, she moved back to be closer to her family when her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her stay, she met her husband and decided to settle down in Minnesota.
Mitchell is one of three new principals in the district this year. Justin Lang, formerly a special education teacher at McKinley, is taking over at Lincoln Elementary. Dr. Martina Wagner, who has previously served the district in several capacities, is returning to serve as principal of the Owatonna Area Learning Center and Owatonna Online.
Mitchell is filling a vacancy left by Matt Zurbriggen. In a letter to Wilson families last May, Zurbriggen said he’d decided to step away from public education administration.
“I am thrilled that Wilson Elementary and Owatonna Schools have hired a dedicated and energetic new principal as my replacement. I leave Wilson knowing that your children are in the greatest hands of the educators that we have,” he wrote.
Mitchell looks forward to meeting students and their families as the school year draws near, and continuing to build relationships with staff.
“My door is always open. I pride myself on relationships and really getting to know people. I am just really excited to be a part of this community. So far, getting to know the staff has been really, really enjoyable to me. I can tell they are extremely hard workers. They care about the kids,” she said.
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