Finding a calling to a career in education was something that came early for Dr. Tammy Champa, ISD 200’s new superintendent. As a second grader, a classroom reward meant an invitation to the principal’s office to receive a free textbook. She felt so empowered holding that book in her arms!  

Champa’s parents fueled this enthusiasm by purchasing some used desks at an auction, and she soon set up a classroom in the basement, where she played school with her neighborhood friends. When her friends “graduated” from her school, she resorted to teaching her stuffed animals.  

After finishing an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Winona State University, Champa worked as a substitute teacher at several public schools in Goodhue County before landing a full-time job as Community Education Director in her hometown of Mazeppa.  

Soon thereafter, because she missed being in the classroom, Champa accepted an opportunity to teach 5th and 6th grade students. Due to her success as a teacher, she was asked to step up to be principal at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Elementary, and then principal of the district middle school. From there, she moved on to be principal at Pine Island’s K-8 school and then superintendent of that district.  

Champa worked over the years to broaden her knowledge base by completing a master’s degree in education leadership, principal licensure, superintendent licensure, special education degree and a Doctorate Degree of Education from Bethel University.  

Champa believes the best thing about working in education is witnessing students gain confidence in their abilities and continue to work on growing their skillset and expanding their desire to learn more. This, she said, often takes a bit of creativity based on the child’s situation and personal interests.  

As a parent herself, Champa is proud her own daughter is pursuing an education degree. “I have always told her that there is nothing bigger than positively impacting the life of a child,” she said.   

Champa said she believes teachers and staff are less able to do good things for kids if they’re not also doing good things for themselves. She will work hard to ensure a culture among district employees where people feel valued, trusted and respected. Champa puts people first, and knows that a culture of trust is the key both with district employees and the broader community. 

When it comes to equipping teachers in the classroom, Champa stressed the importance of providing materials and skills staff need to do best for students - especially when it comes to meeting new state educational mandates such as The Read Act, which was passed in the Minnesota Legislature earlier this year. 

The Read Act is a comprehensive look at the science of literacy, designed to increase reading and literary rates. Champa is tasked with helping staff gain the resources and training necessary to implement these methods and programs, to meet mandates, and improve student reading skills. 

Champa feels that there is great momentum and support for quality education in Hastings, and that has a strong sense of energy and pride from people she meets throughout our community.  

Her ultimate goal is to make Hastings the leader in public schools, and a district of choice for families - something she said will happen by continually seeking to improve and doing good things for kids. Understanding that parents and others in our district have different viewpoints when it comes to education, Champa said she sincerely seeks to understand where others are coming from, and doesn’t shy away from hearing frustrations, as long as everyone works to find solutions and makes progress for kids. 

Champa recently provided a list of goals for the district to the school board. Those goals included: 

1.    Middle and High School opportunities - Look at innovative design possibilities. Listen to students to see if there are courses or pathways we should be offering. Look at other districts for ideas for improvements to student experience. 

2.    The Read Act – Be strategic and intentional on how we support our staff, to ensure that the curriculum is fully implemented. 

3.    The Technology Levy – Connect and communicate with all stakeholders. Inform, engage and support the decision-making process. Reach out to the community to share the information whenever possible. 

4.    Consistent and reliable communications with the school board and the community. 

5.    Conduct a survey to establish baseline data for student and staff experience, and parent satisfaction. 

All residents in the Hastings Area School District will have an opportunity in the near future to meet Champa and hear from her in person. She plans to schedule a number of public events and speaking engagements, where she will discuss the upcoming Technology Levy on the ballot this November. Please join her to learn details about the importance of this funding for the future of our schools. 

Champa wants everyone to know she will be a part of the community, and encourages parents and others to be proud of what Hastings schools are doing to prepare students for productive lives. Please welcome Dr. Champa to Hastings!