Joseph Nelson
Clarion,IA
Summary
I have twenty years of leadership experience in the State of Iowa as a K-6 Principal, Homeless Director, Activities Director, and District Superintendent. During that tenure I have served very high populations of vulnerable students. My positions have compelled me to champion the cause of ALL students by providing the necessary resources to level the playing field. I have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to live the expectations I set for the employees that serve alongside me. I am retiring from my current role as Superintendent but I am actively looking for my next leadership opportunity.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent of Schools
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows
Clarion, Iowa
06.2020 - Current
- Developed and implemented district-wide curriculum initiatives to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with school boards to establish strategic goals aligned with community needs and educational standards.
- Led professional development programs for educators, fostering instructional improvement and innovative teaching practices.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation to optimize operational efficiency across all school facilities.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to support extracurricular activities and community engagement initiatives.
- Mentored administrative staff, promoting leadership skills and enhancing overall team performance in school management.
- Conducted regular assessments of academic programs, driving continuous improvement based on stakeholder feedback and assessment results.
- Established partnerships with local businesses to create internship opportunities for students, improving career readiness postgraduation.
- Expanded access to extracurricular programs and after-school enrichment opportunities, providing students with diverse avenues for personal growth beyond the classroom setting.
- Created safe learning environments through proactive crisis management planning, regular safety drills, and consistent enforcement of behavior expectations for students.
- Advanced equity initiatives by promoting diversity within the teaching workforce and developing culturally responsive curricula across all grade levels.
- Streamlined communication processes between schools and district offices to ensure timely dissemination of vital information, fostering an informed workforce.
- Developed strong leadership teams within each school to facilitate collaboration, communication, and shared decision-making among staff members.
- Oversaw the successful completion of major facilities upgrades, maximizing energy efficiency and enhancing the overall learning environment for students and staff alike.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by regularly reviewing policies and procedures and updating them as needed.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement, driving initiatives that improved instructional practices and outcomes across all schools in the district.
Johnston Athletic Director
Johnston Community School District
Johnston, IA
01.2017 - 05.2020
- Duties included: Overseeing a $500,000 annual budget for twenty-one sports and one hundred twenty-four academic and activities. Project manager for the first of its kind Astro-Turf Softball and Baseball Complex. Project completion date, May 2019. Led a District wide Strength and Conditioning realignment for all Johnston Athletes in all sports. All Johnston student athletes, regardless of their sport or gender now utilize the same strength and conditioning plan. Formed a district wide Booster Club in 2017 to support Johnston Activities. Published and celebrated the academic GPA for each sport at the end of each year.
Elementary Principal, Director of Student Services, District Homeless Liaison
Southeast Polk Community Schools
Mitchellville, IA
01.2007 - 01.2017
- Duties included: All building level-level administrative phases of the hiring process, staff development, certified evaluations and professional development, implementing building and CSIP plans, standardized test data analysis, student teacher and observers, student discipline, Section 504 administration, BEDS reporting, coordination of school supplies and winter coats/clothing for all Southeast Polk homeless students, work with numerous non profit groups to provide gifts for our families in need during each holiday season.
Clinical Experience with Dr. Craig Menazzi
Southeast Polk Community Schools
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Experience included a study into school finance, preventative maintenance plans, district strategic planning, the preparation of board reports among other topics. I was also to attend superintendent networking meetings and understand the district perspective regarding crisis management.
- Superintendent
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Education
EDS - Educational Specialist Degree, Superintendent Licensure
Drake University
Des Moines, IA01-2016
M.A. - Master of Science Degree, Educational Leadership
Drake University
Des Moines, IA01-2003
B.A. - Bachelor of Science Degree, Social Sciences Endorsement
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA01-1993
High School Diploma - undefined
Ballard High School
Huxley, IA01-1988
Skills
- International School experience
- Champion for diverse learning populations
- Experienced change management
- Mentoring and coaching for leaders and teacher
- Audit experience
- Fundraising and budgeting experience
- Problem-solving
Accomplishments
Actively employed as a Professional Umpire with the Savannah Bananas.
2024 Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame
Affiliations
- School Administrators of Iowa (SAI)
- National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
- Southeast Polk Education Foundation Board Member
- Iowa Association of Curriculum Directors (IASCD)
- Kiwanis Club of Mitchellville
- Mitchellville Chamber of Commerce
- Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA)
- Lions Club of Mitchellville
- Rotary Club of Mitchellville
Timeline
Superintendent of Schools
Clarion-Goldfield-Dows
06.2020 - Current
Johnston Athletic Director
Johnston Community School District
01.2017 - 05.2020
Clinical Experience with Dr. Craig Menazzi
Southeast Polk Community Schools
01.2014 - 01.2015
Elementary Principal, Director of Student Services, District Homeless Liaison
Southeast Polk Community Schools
01.2007 - 01.2017
M.A. - Master of Science Degree, Educational Leadership
Drake University
B.A. - Bachelor of Science Degree, Social Sciences Endorsement
University of Northern Iowa
High School Diploma - undefined
Ballard High School
EDS - Educational Specialist Degree, Superintendent Licensure
Drake University
Leadership Philosophy
Public Education in Iowa is currently facing many exciting and complex challenges that require skilled leadership. During these times of change, we must ensure all stakeholders work closely together to make sure our students, staff, and communities are successful. It is through collaborative efforts that the best decisions are made.
Summary of Qualifications
- Exceptional track record of leadership, team building and working in a collaborative environment
- Effective delegation skills
- Confidence and ability to work closely with school boards and others to identify and advise on educational issues, as well as provide input for important decisions on policy and procedure
- Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships
- Excellent supervisory skills
- Deep knowledge of coordinating policy with Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) goals and priorities
- Proven ability to problem-solve, plan, manage and motivate
- Excellent diplomacy and facilitation skills
- Demonstrated organizational skills, ability to multitask and meet deadlines
- Broad professional education background
Professional Development
- Olweus trainer for bully prevention
- Ruby Payne Poverty Training
- ELL Presenter
- District Technology training
- Professional Learning Communities (PLC)
- Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC)
- Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
- District Safety Training
Honors and Recognition
National Blue Ribbon School, Runnells Elementary 2008, National Blue Ribbon School, Mitchellville Elementary 2012, 100% Parent participation at parent teacher conferences each year 2007-2017, Highest student attendance in the district each year 2007-2017, Raised funding on a local level to become first 1:1 technology building at Southeast Polk, Exceptional Rating on the Iowa School Report Card. Top 3% in Iowa 2015, Directed building for the new $8 million elementary building in Mitchellville. 2014, IHSAA state tournament umpire 1998-2015