New Assistant Principal at Pearson 6th Grade Center Gets Started

Dr. Kevin Bjerken is in his first couple weeks as assistant principal at Pearson 6th Grade Center. For him, the new position is coming home, literally. He lives in Shakopee with his wife and two dogs. 

He comes to the district from Edina Public Schools where he taught at the elementary and middle school levels. He was also an instructional coach for the district. He worked with staff on professional development focusing on instructional strategies to increase student achievement. 

Dr. Bjerken is originally from Moorhead, Minnesota. He got his bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He earned his master’s degree, specialist’s degree, and doctorate at Minnesota State University, Mankato. 

He began his career in Prior Lake as a first grade teacher. He also works as an adjunct professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Communications and Community Relations Coordinator for the school district, Crystal McNally, talked with Dr. Bjerken about his new job in Shakopee Public Schools:

McNally: What are your goals and expectations for your first year at Pearson 6th Grade Center?

Dr. Bjerken: My first goal is always for high levels of achievement for every student. Our progress will come from working collaboratively and developing innovative ways to deliver educational excellence for all students both academically and socially. 

McNally: Why Shakopee Public Schools?

Dr. Bjerken: This is a community-based school system, which is in alignment with my beliefs as an educator and my experiences of success with students.  

My recent position was in 6th grade, so I know this level of student and their social and academic challenges, their families, curriculum level, state standards, standardized measures used, and have worked successfully with 6th grade staff to continuously improve our instructional strategies for all learners. 

Plus, my belief system aligns to the direction of the district including developing a culture of continuous improvement, increasing collaborative skills to meet the needs of all learners, and going beyond academic achievement to prepare our students for success throughout life.  

And personally, it’s very exciting for me to have the opportunity to contribute to my own community through public education.

McNally: What are you most excited about in your first year as Assistant Principal?

Dr. Bjerken: I am excited to get to know the staff, students, and families of this educational community and build partnerships that strengthen both our students’ and our own abilities to continuously excel.

Above article is a news release from Shakopee Public Schools.