Caledonia — Angie Stauffer didn’t have to move far to start her new role as principal at Duncan Lake Middle School — just down the hallway of the building’s main office.
Earlier this school year, Stauffer transitioned from assistant principal to the lead administrator; but she was no stranger to her staff and students.
Despite the learning curve she’s experienced transitioning from teaching to administration, Stauffer says she’s passionate about continuing to serve her middle-schoolers.
SNN gets to know Duncan Lake’s new principal in this edition of Meet Your Administrator.
Other positions you have held in education: Stauffer was assistant principal for almost five years before taking on her role as principal. Prior to her time at the middle school, she taught every social studies course offered at Caledonia High School, including AP U.S. History, AP Government and World History.
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s, secondary education with a focus in integrated social studies, Bowling Green State University
- Master’s, teaching, Grand Valley State University
What originally drew you to this district? A graduate of nearby Wayland Public Schools, Stauffer said she was drawn to the Caledonia community from the start of her career.
“It was a destination district in the early 2000s. You heard about the schools and what they were doing, and that’s what drew me as a teacher to come here.”
Stauffer was hired to coach varsity girls basketball two years before she was hired to teach at CHS. After coaching for a few years and having her first child, she said, “it was a lot to be a coach and a teacher and a parent,” so she started coaching less demanding middle-school sports instead.
“Both of my kids were athletic, so I was at all the events anyway. They both played volleyball, basketball and soccer.”
Her daughters are both Fighting Scots, and Stauffer said “I believe in what the schools are doing for students.”
“If it’s good enough for my kids, it’s good enough for all kids.”
What would you like to share about your family? Stauffer and her husband, Mark, have lived in Caledonia for 20 years and counting. They have two daughters, one who graduated from CHS and another who is currently a sophomore. The family also has a dog named Raleigh, like the city in North Carolina.
What are things about K-12 education that excite you? “The programs we have built within our school day, and how we’re academically and socially supporting students, especially those for whom school doesn’t come naturally. We carved out time in the daily schedule for our seminar class period, which allows time for tutoring, extra support or a quiet time to get work done.
“We’re also starting to introduce the types of careers that are out there and build on students’ special interests. Trades are getting a large push, because not everything is going to college.”
What ideas or strategies do you bring to administration from your classroom? “As a teacher, you have to be super organized, and be willing to be flexible and set firm boundaries when needed. These skills translated very well to (becoming) an assistant principal. There are times when you have to be empathetic, and other times when you have to have firm boundaries. You take your experiences on a scale of 25 to 30 kids as a teacher to 740 kids as an assistant principal, and now as a principal.
“There are lots of things you take from the classroom. You’re still trying to guide and walk young 12- and 13-year-olds through what they’re going through. Middle school is never anyone’s favorite time in life. They’re just starting to figure out who they are.”
How will you encourage student voice in your building? “Our students want to have conversations. Students email us suggestions, and they come into my office and pitch their ideas. We are super lucky to have them involved in their events, like the MEERA (Manufacturing and Engineering Education Reimagined for All program) open house we just had. Students helped organize the event and gave demonstrations of what they’re learning. They were the leaders.”
Describe your leadership style in seven words or less: “Collaborative, honest and I seek to understand. I do not believe I have all the answers, and I have the best team. You lean on your team. You’re not an expert in everything. … They’re doing it, so it’s a matter of how we tweak, how do we maintain what’s going well and grow in areas that need growth.”
What book, movie, TV show or podcast have you loved lately? “I joke that I don’t have hobbies because my children are my hobby. When I first started my job, I was researching and spending time figuring things out. As an assistant principal, I eventually found more time to read; I love reading. I like reading historical fiction and then comparing it to the truth of history. For now I’m back to learning a lot, with not a lot of free time.”
What are you looking forward to during the rest of the school year? “I’m looking forward to spring in general. The sun is out and the kids are happier. Yes, spring brings testing, but there is an energy that comes into the building. Maybe it’s just the good old sun and vitamin D. I look forward to an attitude change coming out of the dark winter, and am looking forward to starting next school year off as principal.”
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