Read Dr. Reichel's Dissertation!

MEDFORD, MN – MASA has named ​​Dr. Jennifer Reichel recipient of the 2024 Richard Green Scholar Award. Dr. Reichel will present her research, “Don’t Waste My Time: Characteristics of Professional Development that Mid-Career Teachers Say They Need,” at the 2024 MASA Fall Conference, September 29–October 1, in Brainerd, MN.

MASA established the Richard Green Scholars Program in 2006 to honor the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders. The program is an annual recognition of the research, writing, and presentation of a paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership. Scholar candidates apply for the program and a subcommittee of the MASA Executive Development Committee selects the recipient. This award is sponsored by Cuningham.

Dr. Reichel’s research focuses on understanding the professional development needs of mid-career teachers. Through her study, she identified key factors that contribute to teacher engagement and continuous improvement, particularly during phases of career frustration and stability. Her findings led to the creation of the Mid-Career Professional Development Design framework, a tool designed to help educational leaders plan and implement meaningful learning experiences that address the unique challenges mid-career teachers face. Dr. Reichel’s research is posted on the MASA website at www.mnasa.org/richard-green-award.
 
Dr. Reichel is an experienced educational leader with more than two decades of experience in teaching, administration, and curriculum development. She currently is the Director of Teaching and Learning for Mahtomedi Public Schools. Dr. Reichel has previously served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for Hastings Public Schools, Assistant Director at Math and Science Academy, Principal Video Coach for The New Teacher Project, Associate Principal and Teacher at West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools, and Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at South Washington County Schools.

Dr. Reichel earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Learning from the University of St. Thomas. She received a master’s degree in Education from Saint Mary’s University and a bachelor’s degree in English and Speech/Theatre Teaching from Moorhead State University. Dr. Reichel holds her Superintendent Licensure and an Education Specialist/K-12 Principal Licensure from the University of St. Thomas.

Each year, MASA recognizes members for their contributions to public education. MASA is a professional organization of Minnesota’s school leaders, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of special education, and other central office administrators, as well as state department administrators, college and university professors, and other educators throughout Minnesota dedicated to educational leadership for students.

MASA is grateful to Cuningham for their ongoing support of the Richard Green Scholars Program. Cuningham is not only committed to being an industry-leading design firm, they are an adaptable firm equipped to meet the evolving demands of a changing world. Cuningham is future-focused, optimistic, and ready to respond to the challenges of tomorrow through enduring design.​