We are proud to announce that Mr. Blake Kielman, principal of Mitchellville Elementary, has won the esteemed ISEA TEAM Award. This recognition celebrates Mr. Kielman’s exceptional leadership and dedication over the past seven years.
The ISEA (Iowa State Education Association) TEAM (Together, Educators and Administrators Make It Happen) Award honors a school administrator who has worked to create a collaborative, collegial working environment for all staff in a school building or district.
Mr. Kielman was nominated by the Mitchellville Elementary SEPEA (Southeast Polk Education Association.) The ISEA president, vice president and executive director evaluate all nominations.
On July 18, 2024, Mr. Kielman was recognized for winning this award at the ISEA Celebration of Excellence Awards Luncheon with his wife, Amanda Kielman, Altoona Elementary PE Teacher, and one of his two daughters, Carly. His other daughter, Lauren, was playing in a softball tournament.
Mr. K (as he is known at “The Ville”) exemplifies the values of the TEAM Award by fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. His commitment to creating a positive school culture. is evident throughout the school – you can’t help but notice all of the smiles and feel the positive energy from both staff and students. That’s because he prioritizes the needs of M’ville teachers, students, families, and staff. He puts his commitment into action, frequently covering classes in the absence of substitutes, sending motivational messages to staff, participating in weekly PLC (Professional Learning Community) meetings, and organizing professional development tailored to his staff’s current needs. His ability to identify and leverage the strengths of teachers further enhances the collaborative spirit at Mitchellville Elementary, inspiring staff.
Under Mr. K’s leadership, Mitchellville Elementary consistently set and met high expectations for all learners. The school ranked as “Exceptional” on the Iowa Report Card and achieved top positions in previous years. Additionally, 97% of Mitchellville teachers reported feeling Highly Engaged at work, a testament to the positive support and trust fostered by Mr. K.
With a background as a classroom teacher and instructional coach, Mr. K understands the daily challenges faced by teachers. He joined the SEP Ram Fam in 2017 in his current position as Mitchellville Elementary Principal.
We are incredibly proud of Mr. Blake Kielman for winning the ISEA TEAM Award. His optimistic outlook on the future of education, leadership, and commitment to creating a positive and collaborative learning environment has made a lasting impact on Mitchellville Elementary and our Southeast Polk Community School District!
Congratulations Mr. K!
