Prairie Trail's Principal Calls Ankeny the 'Perfect Storm for High Achievement'

Four new adminstrators are ready to take the helm at their respective schools within the next year.

But who are these individuals who will be leading our schools?

In an effort to help you get to know the new faces among the school district's administrative team, we got a chance to ask a few questions to the new leaders of , Ankeny Centennial High School, Prairie Trail Elementary School and .

Each day for the remainder of this week, we will profile one of the building principals who will start their new roles within the district on July 1. Today, get to know Pam Dodge, who will lead the district's newest elementary, Prairie Trail, this fall.

PAM DODGE

Age: 49

Family Members: Husband, Mark, of 26 years; sons, Kameron, a junior at Northwestern University, and Beau, age 13 and in middle school.

Where/When Did You Graduate From College? What Degree?

I have four degrees from Iowa State University. I earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, a master's degree in school administration, a certificate of advanced studies in school leadership and then earned a doctorate in May 2011.

Where Have You Taught Previously and What Were Your Roles at Each?

I began my career as an elementary school teacher in the Grand Community School District, where I taught third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades over nine years. Next, I gained leadership skills and experience working as an elementary principal at North Polk Community Schools for six years before starting my career with Ankeny. In 2005, I started working as an assistant principal for Ankeny at both and , then I served as the principal for . For the past three years I've worked as a district level school administrator serving as the executive director for special programs. 

Name a Teacher That Most Influenced You and Why.

Mrs. Enslow in sixth grade, because she held me accountable for my decisions and told me I could be anything I wanted to be. 

What is Your Educational Philosophy?

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin once said, "No dream is too big for those with their eyes in the sky." That aligns with what I believe about children and learning. We, as educators, must have high expectations for children, show them how to set goals around things they are passionate about and expect them to accomplish great things.   

What Will You Try to Bring to Your New Role?

Energy and many years of administrative leadership experience and a great passion for learning. I have benefited greatly from the richness and diversity previous leadership experiences have afforded me. Specifically, I continue to learn and build my knowledge of best practice in curriculum, instruction, assessment and special program policies and procedures.

The principalship at Prairie Trail presents another opportunity for me to grow personally and professionally while doing what I enjoy most about being an educator, which is working with teachers and students. Working with teachers in professional learning communities and providing the leadership neccesary to create and sustain a culture for continuous learning in a new elementary building is an exciting opportunity that I am very fortunate to have.  

What Do You Enjoy Most About Being a Part of Ankeny Schools?

Simply stated, the people! Our students are bright and eager to learn. The community members are supportive and they understand our goals focused on world-class educational opportunities for all students. The administrative team is knowledgeable and collaborative, and the teaching staff is committed and passionate about learning. It's the perfect storm for high achievement and great things to come.

Did you like this story? Come back each day this week to learn more about our new district administrators:

• Tuesday: Jeff Hawkins, new principal of Ankeny High School.
  
• Thursday: Jen Lindaman, new principal of Ankeny Centennial High School, set to open August 2013.
  
• Friday: Amy Dittmar, new principal of Westwood Elementary School.