News : V-S teacher Knudtson hired as principal at Postville

Vinton-Shellsburg High School science teacher and trap shooting coach Brendan Knudtson has been hired as the principal and activities director at Postville High School in northeast Iowa.

Knudtson announced his hiring via Twitter, where several people including Vinton-Shellsburg High School Principal Kirk Johnson, offered their congratulations via that site.

"I am very happy for him," said Johnson, who now needs to hire a new science teacher. The principal said he always encourages the teachers who work for him to "maximize their opportunities."

V-S Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock echoed Mr. Johnson.

"I am pleased that Mr. Knudtson was offered the position with Postville," she said. "He has been a great asset to our district and we will miss his leadership and participation in the science department. While it is our district’s loss, Mr. Knudtson is ready to demonstrate his leadership abilities in a new role and the students and patrons of Postville will benefit. We wish him and his family the best."

Below is the job description posted on the Postville school district web site:

The Postville Community School District is seeking a 9-12 Principal/Activities Director for the 2011-2012 school year. This position will administer the educational program for the high school, with an emphasis on continuous improvement and exemplary educational practices. The successful candidate will be innovative, student-centered, a strong communicator, a collaborative instructional leader, and responsive to an ever-changing community. In addition, experience with professional learning communities, innovative technology integration in the classroom and Iowa Core Curriculum implementation are desired. In addition to the educational program, this position will be responsible for administering the middle and high school activities program. Postville celebrates its diverse learners, committed educators, excellent facilities, and supportive community. Located in beautiful northeast Iowa, Postville provides an abundance of recreational opportunities, along with cultural opportunities unique to most rural settings. Candidates must hold or be eligible for a valid Iowa Administrative Certificate.

Knudtson's new job illustrates changes in the education scene on several levels. Knudtson's predecessor at Postville was principal of grades 6-12, but the new job covers grades 9-12 and adds the duties of activities director. Also, current Postville principal Matt Leeman will replace Gladbrook-Reinbeck principal Garrick Teckenburg who resigned after two years as principal at G-R to take a job with an online learning company, according to a story in the Marshalltown Times-Republican.