Principal Persistence: About

Teresa Alesch

Regional Administrator

Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency

Iowa

Come along with me...

Over the past 10 years, I served as teacher, coach, tech and curriculum coordinator, and as of the past four years, dean of students into principal at Graettinger-Terril CSD. I loved my job and everyone at G-T…they are my family. Recently I made a career transition into Regional Administrator within Prairie Lakes AEA. I am enjoying the opportunity to expand my influence and serve the agency as well as more districts--their students, parents, and staff. I am passionate about students and their developmental success, and that passion is the basis for all I do as an educational leader.

I reside in Emmetsburg with my husband Cody and our two children, Sacha (8) and Teague (5). Cody is the Head Wrestling Coach and Completion Specialist at Iowa Lakes Community College. We co-own Joyce-Alesch Funeral Home in Graettinger with my brother, Andy. Sacha is a social butterfly who loves to sing, dance, read, swim, and anything digital…ANYTHING. Teague wants to be just like his dad - a wrestler, deer hunter, and lawn mower, and he really enjoys swimming, too! Our favorite thing to do as a family is watch movies and play card, dice, and board games. Together we also enjoy living near our parents, siblings, and extended families.

Personally, my hobbies and history are diverse. I attended so many colleges that one more would require a third hand*(see list below)! Some more fast facts: besides my education credentials, I have a degree in graphic design and a masters in library and information science; I am currently working on both fiction and nonfiction books; I read, read, and read some more; I enjoy playing (especially volleyball) and watching sports...I played basketball in college but find my coordination is really slowing down as each year passes—you would NEVER know I played; AND, I sing at weddings and sometimes other events and act in musicals...My husband and I lived in Nashville for six months to feel out the music industry but homesickness brought us back.

I exercise religiously to save my live. Literally. In 2011, I was diagnosed with an advanced stage III breast cancer. I went through the full spectrum of treatment, taking a few steps back and then some, losing much…but gaining even more, including a unique perspective on life. (My dad was diagnosed within 6 months with stage 4 lymphoma, mantle cell b -- my family had quite the journey.) Working out gives me confidence that I’m beating the disease and all it’s nasty punches.

Learning is unending in my world. I continue to grow as a learner and educator -- as a principal, my quest was to raise student achievement by establishing the type of culture we all wish to achieve: one where CHARACTER COUNTS, educators take initiative, and students are empowered to be the leaders we need them to be. As a regional administrator at the AEA, I do not see that mission changing.

"Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not necessarily express the views or opinions of my employer."