The Dubuque Community School District Board of Education voted tonight to approve the appointment of Cindy Steffens as the district’s next director of elementary education and professional learning.
Steffens, who currently serves as principal of Carver Elementary School, will assume the position on July 1. Steffens will succeed Nancy Bradley, who is retiring at the end of the school year after 47 years of service to the district.
As director of elementary education, Steffens will be a member of the district’s senior leadership team and will provide administrative oversight of PreK-5 programming in the district’s 13 elementary schools. This work will include oversight of the district’s elementary curriculum and assessment efforts, as well as planning, coordination and supervision of a comprehensive professional learning program for staff.
“Cindy is a respected administrator with significant experience in curriculum development and a proven track record of success,” said Superintendent of Schools Stan Rheingans. “She will fill big shoes with the retirement of Nancy Bradley, and I’m confident that her experience, enthusiasm and dedication to students will make her an outstanding addition to our senior team.”
An experienced educational administrator, Steffens will assume her new role following nine years as principal of Carver Elementary School. Prior to that, she was principal of Irving Elementary School and also previously served as a student strategist and Title I facilitator. Before moving into leadership and administrative roles, Steffens was a Title I/Reading Recovery teacher in the district and also held Title I/Reading Recovery and grade-level teaching assignments in the Andrew Community School District.
“I am excited for this new challenge and the wonderful opportunities it presents,” said Steffens. “I look forward to continuing the momentum of our elementary programming as we strive to ensure that all students are learning to their fullest potential.”
Steffens holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa, a master of arts degree from Clarke College, a Reading Recovery Certification from Drake University, and an Educational Leadership Principalship Certificate from the University of Northern Iowa.