Curtis Slater

As principal of Wyoming Elementary, Curtis Slater is known as a “visionary, collaborative, and charismatic leader” who is “passionate about creating the best learning environment for his students.” Driven to create positive culture, Slater has made considerable contributions at the school, district, and state level to guide the implementation of PBIS, having consulted for over 400 schools and trained over 3,000 paraprofessionals. At Wyoming, this work has led to notable shifts and concrete academic gains, leading to recognition as a Minnesota 2017-2018 Exemplary School. Acknowledging that his leadership has been made possible by access to professional development opportunities, Slater commits himself to ensuring that teachers and staff are able, even amid budget cuts, to grow their skills and develop their craft. Slater is a skilled relationship builder; while Wyoming benefits from a strong PTA, he makes a point to seek out disengaged or frustrated parents with a genuine interest in addressing their concerns so that they can show up fully as members of the school community. This skill has also allowed him to undertake highly collaborative processes, such as the development of a school Maker Space, which he says “recharged the school’s pedagogy” by providing opportunities for applied learning and 21st Century skill development. Slater has over 15 years of administrative experience and holds a B.S. from Moorhead State University and M.A. and Educational Administration degrees from Saint Mary’s University.