Legacy welcomes new principal
For Legacy Elementary principal Kristina Baker, elementary kids are wonderful.
Becker, who started as principal July 1, loves watching how they grow and learn.
“I think it’s important for kids’ identity when they come to school for them to know that they belong and that they’re important and their families matter,” Becker said.
One particular author that she enjoys says that children have equal weight for who they are and their age. For example, they are 5 years old and they are a writer, or they are a mathematician and they are 7 years old.
Becker grew up in Salem watching her mom, who taught for 44 years. She loves seeing how the children develop as they learn new things in school.
“I especially enjoyed seeing them believe in themselves and know that they can grow and learn. I love content of all kind. I think that’s why I headed into education too,” Becker said.
After earning her elementary education degree from Augustana University, she got her master’s in reading and master’s in administration and education specialist from the University of Sioux Falls. She spent her time teaching third grade before becoming a reading specialist in the Sioux Falls School District. She spent eight years working for the Children’s Home Society. The last three years she spent as an administrator in the Sioux Falls district.
During her time as a reading specialist, she discovered she loved working with both students and teachers. An opportunity came for an assistant principal position in Sioux Falls through a mentor program.
“I’ve always loved learning and just getting more degrees when doors were opened,” she said.
When she was getting her administrative degree, Becker had the chance to shadow administration in the Tea Area School District for a day in 2017. At the time, the kids and teachers in the building all looked like they loved to be there.
“When I talked to them and was in rooms, it was really wonderful to see,” Becker said. “I come from a small town and it’s been in the back of my mind for a while now to get back to a community that is a K-12 district.
“I think it’s really important that before they come to school they are a Tea Area Titan. As they go through, the teachers are invested in the kids and the families are invested in the school. That is something that I have missed and I’m so thankful to be here. I love this school and this district already.”
Becker’s goals for Legacy Elementary is to continue all of the good work that the school has been doing. She noted that Legacy is a really good place for teachers collaborating together. She also likes that the all three elementary schools work closely together with former Legacy principal and current curriculum director Samantha Walder.
“My goals would be to continue the work that’s been done and also continue to raise the literacy scores to match what’s been phenomenal with math and science. This year I’m really learning. Building relationships is my Nov. 1 goal,” Becker said.
Becker currently lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Tyler, and two sons, Jacob and Andrew.
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