February 20, 2025
Dr. Dan Bittman Receives MASA Distinguished Service Award
The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Dr. Dan Bittman, Retired Superintendent of the Elk River Area School District (ISD 728), as the recipient of the 2025 MASA Distinguished Service Award. This award honors individuals for their leadership and contributions to Minnesota’s public education system. Dr. Bittman will be recognized at a statewide ceremony during the MASA/MASE Spring Conference, March 20-21, 2025, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest.
With more than three decades of experience as a superintendent and educational leader, Dr. Bittman embodies MASA’s mission of fostering excellence in public education. His career reflects an unwavering dedication to advocating for Minnesota’s learners, shaping state and national education policy, and empowering leaders through high-quality professional development and support.
Dr. Bittman has been a driving force for innovation and equity in education. As Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Education, he has championed student achievement, strengthened school-community partnerships, and spearheaded strategic improvements in curriculum, technology, and career education. Under his leadership, ISD 728 attained top academic rankings in the state, navigated financial challenges, constructed multiple schools, and implemented a district-wide 1:1 student technology program.
A steadfast advocate for educational equity, Dr. Bittman led the initiative to provide free full-day, every-day kindergarten before state funding was available. He expanded educational pathways for all students and collaborated with his team to implement purposeful, data-driven strategies that support historically underserved learners.
Beyond his district leadership, Dr. Bittman has played a significant role in shaping education policy and mentoring school leaders across Minnesota. He has served as MASA President, a member of the AASA Governing Board, and Minnesota’s appointed representative on the Board of Teaching. His work at the Minnesota Department of Education as an Assistant Commissioner, influenced teacher licensure, educator preparation, and student support services, ensuring the development of strong school leaders and high-quality educational programs across the state.
Dr. Bittman’s efforts have earned him numerous state and national recognitions, including the 2016 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year and the 2016 National School Board Association's MAGNA Award.
Dr. Bittman’s leadership has left an enduring impact on Minnesota’s education landscape, and his selection for the 2025 MASA Distinguished Service Award is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field.
Dr. Bittman earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, with concentrations in Spanish, psychology, and coaching.
With more than three decades of experience as a superintendent and educational leader, Dr. Bittman embodies MASA’s mission of fostering excellence in public education. His career reflects an unwavering dedication to advocating for Minnesota’s learners, shaping state and national education policy, and empowering leaders through high-quality professional development and support.
Dr. Bittman has been a driving force for innovation and equity in education. As Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Education, he has championed student achievement, strengthened school-community partnerships, and spearheaded strategic improvements in curriculum, technology, and career education. Under his leadership, ISD 728 attained top academic rankings in the state, navigated financial challenges, constructed multiple schools, and implemented a district-wide 1:1 student technology program.
A steadfast advocate for educational equity, Dr. Bittman led the initiative to provide free full-day, every-day kindergarten before state funding was available. He expanded educational pathways for all students and collaborated with his team to implement purposeful, data-driven strategies that support historically underserved learners.
Beyond his district leadership, Dr. Bittman has played a significant role in shaping education policy and mentoring school leaders across Minnesota. He has served as MASA President, a member of the AASA Governing Board, and Minnesota’s appointed representative on the Board of Teaching. His work at the Minnesota Department of Education as an Assistant Commissioner, influenced teacher licensure, educator preparation, and student support services, ensuring the development of strong school leaders and high-quality educational programs across the state.
Dr. Bittman’s efforts have earned him numerous state and national recognitions, including the 2016 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year and the 2016 National School Board Association's MAGNA Award.
Dr. Bittman’s leadership has left an enduring impact on Minnesota’s education landscape, and his selection for the 2025 MASA Distinguished Service Award is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field.
Dr. Bittman earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, with concentrations in Spanish, psychology, and coaching.
Each year, MASA recognizes members for their contribution 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.
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