Dave Steckler

Dave Steckler

Red Trail Elementary School
Mandan Public Schools
Mandan, North Dakota
dave.steckler@msd1.org

Prior to being selected to open Red Trail Elementary School (RTES) five years ago, Dave Steckler had been principal of three other elementary schools, two of which he led while simultaneously serving as a classroom teacher. In these roles, Steckler gained significant experience securing and leveraging Title I funds to improve instruction through supportive programming and research-based best practices. As a result, he has led each of his schools in meeting the complex needs of at-risk students, helping them achieve their academic potential but also develop a sincere love for learning. As testament to Steckler’s commitment to improving achievement in high poverty schools, Hagan Elementary School was selected as a National Distinguished Title I School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Steckler has since channeled his experience with program implementation to establish a strong professional and learning culture at RTES. There, he has led the integration of STEM and project-based learning, among other initiatives, and will soon oversee a building expansion. Throughout his career, Steckler has served on a variety of state, local, and national committees and boards, work which he credits with his growth as a leader and values as a contribution to the broader betterment of public education. He holds an M.S. in Educational Administration from Moorhead State University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Dickinson State University.