9/1/23 --Meet the Interim Principal
Meet the Interim Principal
Mrs. Lorraine Duitsman
ABOUT ME:
- Mother of 3: Nolan (17), Evelyn (14), Johnathan (12)
- My husband Ted of 18 yrs. is an English Teacher
- I’ve been an educator since 2005. This is my 2nd year at GHS!
- I have 2MAs, 1BA, 1MRS from University of Northern Iowa. (I met Ted in “Romanticism”/Brit Lit class!)
- I used to teach TAG and English, and be an instructional coach, and have coached mock trial, Future City engineering (won 2 free trips with kids to Washington DC), First Lego League, National History Day, summer camps, AP and online coursework. I have taught at AL, LC, IWCC, UofI, UNI, online, even the ICN!
- Coordination and Collaboration is my jam! I love working with teams to produce amazing results.
- I own a historic home built in 1857, a source of never ending projects.
- My favorite subject in school was PE, I love to be active!
- I am from Harlan, IA. & I used to be a track star and also ran cross country.
FAVORITES/HOBBIES:
- I love hiking and being in nature
- I enjoy watching my kids play in the band and my daughter figure skating.
- I love the beach and national parks
- My favorite foods are Chocolate (any), and Mexican food
- I love Dolly Parton & Starbucks
CONTACT INFO:
Email: duitsmanlor@glenwoodschools.org
School Phone Ext. 6004
Room: Main Office
Education & Background
Masters in Educational Leadership, Principalship
Masters in English Literature, BA in English Education
Expertise in facilitating teams, strategic action planning, and collaboration.
Expertise in High Impact Instruction & Effective Research-based Instructional Methods
Expertise in coaching others to reach goals for higher levels of student performance.
My past influential work has included the following
- Working with other leaders to raise student achievement and achieve the status of a Blue Ribbon High School.
- Coordinating a statewide conference for 800+ and serving on a state board for education.
- Developing advanced learning opportunities for students through programming, curriculum development, and partnership with other organizations.
- Improving System-wide Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports for Students.
- Ensuring an effective Multi-Tiered System of Support for Students to achieve high levels of learning for all.
My learning as a leader
I have had the benefit of strong principal mentors and continue my learning as an administrator by being part of the School Administrators of Iowa Association and collaborating with the Hawkeye 10 principals. I feel prepared to take the lead as your Interim Principal and grateful for the opportunity to serve you. As a leader, my learning continues, and I welcome your feedback!
Why am I an Educator? What is…My Passion and Purpose?
I see in each individual incredible potential to achieve amazing things in this world. I hate seeing potential wasted and want to spend my time helping others realize and develop their greatness. This drives me to see their strengths, to help others, listen to their needs, seek feedback, and look for opportunities to bring out the best in those around me and learn from them. I embrace anyone and anything that helps me become a better version of myself. As a leader, I seek feedback and welcome ideas. I hold high expectations for myself and for others. One of my favorite quotes is: "People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures." Success is about being purposeful and intentional and moving forward with focused urgency. As a mother of three children, I know that I would want nothing less than the best education and supportive school for them. I understand what an incredible responsibility this is to ensure a positive and rich educational experience for your child(ren) at Glenwood High School.
What are my hopes and goals for this school year?
At Glenwood High School, our mission is to be “RAMS United!”
It is my hope that by the end of the 23-24 school year, success will be observable and felt in the following ways: Increased Collective Efficacy; Empowerment of other leaders and teams to lead school change; Joy in the Workplace and in Collegiality; Recognition of the Good Work and Impact Teachers are Having; A Positive School Climate and Culture for Staff, Students, and the Community; Increased Communication and Effectiveness of School Systems and Supports (Clarity); Increased Respect for all (Pride in our School); and, Student Gains in Learning and Performance!
What are your hopes for this school year? I look forward to hearing them and working together to accomplish them! Together, we will achieve our school mission of being “RAMS United” and emulating our values of “Respect, Achieve and Improve, Make an Effort, and Serve Others.”
Wishing you a wonderful school year!
I look forward to working with you and serving our community!
Lorraine Duitsman
GHS Interim Principal