SE teacher offered principal position
June 12th, 2008Sibley East didn’t need to go far to look for its next high school principal.
Long-time social studies teacher at Arlington-Green Isle and Sibley East, James Amsden, has been offered the position of principal at Sibley East High School, according to Superintendent John Langenbrunner.
The Sibley East Board of Education will consider the hiring at its meeting Monday night, Langenbrunner said.
Amsden was selected out of four candidates for the position. Interviews were conducted Monday. Committee members included Langenbrunner, Junior High Principal Steve Harter, Elementary Principal Mari Lu Martens, School board members Brian Asmus and Anne Karl, non-certified representative Cheri Magers, and teacher representatives Carrie Bartlette and Jeff Eppen. Amsden was unanimously chosen by the committee, Langenbrunner said.
Although Amsden is not currently certified, he will complete his administrative licensure in December. According to Langenbrunner, Sibley East will be able to receive a waiver from the state for that short a period of time. In addition, Langenbrunner holds a license, so the district will be covered.
The principal vacancy was created due to the retirement of Jim Swanson, which will take effect the end of June.
Amsden, of St. Peter, has taught social studies at Arlington-Green Isle and Sibley East since 1987. In addition, he has served as lead contract negotiator for the Sibley East Education Association since 2006; head boy’s and girl’s varsity golf coach since 1991, and head girl’s tennis coach from 1996-2000.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1986, where he majored in social studies education and sociology anthropology, and minored in history. He earned a Master of Science degree in curriculum and instruction from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1992.
In addition, Amsden completed 30 quarter credits of post Master’s degree work from the College of St. Scholastic in Duluth from 1995-97, and will complete his educational administration K-12 certificate in December 2008 from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
