Following the retirement of Randy Smasal, Edina Public Schools announced Nate Swenson as the new Assistant Superintendent of School Excellence and Innovation.
Swenson, inspired by his parents’ career in teaching, decided to become an educator himself. After studying to receive a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Master’s in Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Swenson went on to become a middle school science teacher in the Osseo Public School District.
As a firm believer in public education, Swenson’s choice to join the EPS administration was not difficult. His belief stems from the mission of public schools to serve all kids by providing equal opportunities. “I know that there are a lot of opportunities outside of public education for kids and families to consider. When you think about districts in the state of Minnesota and even in the country, Edina is one of the school districts that, in many regards, is the envy of other people,” Swenson said.
In his new role as Assistant Superintendent, Swenson plans on continuing to dedicate his time and effort towards following the district’s Strategic Plan. Most notably, this includes promoting academic excellence by working closely with the principals of each school on their respective continuous improvement plans. Continuous improvement plans at each site include strategies to ensure that EPS is making progress in literacy, numeracy, and belonging.
Another one of EPS’s key challenges Swenson wants to tackle is fostering a community of inclusivity and a positive learning environment. “I really care about [the feeling of] belonging. Not just for a single group of people, but literally everybody who’s connected to the school district,” Swenson said. He hopes to forge and improve ways for EPS members to connect beyond the classroom. With activities like school clubs and activities, Swenson wants to boost engagement beyond structured curriculum. “Belonging is tricky because it can wax and wane depending on what your experiences are during your time inside of a system. It’s a challenge but something that I feel we are prepared to take on too,” Swenson said.
After formally working in the district for a few months, Swenson has enjoyed experiencing the EPS culture firsthand. “I feel like everyone here knows who they are and what is represented in Edina Public Schools…I’m just really excited to be a part of this place,” he said.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on September 26, 2024
