Southwest alumna hired as middle school principal
Hermansen
February 15, 2017
Charlea Estes
Southwest alumni and Barry County teacher Christy Hermansen was hired as Southwest Middle School’s new principal starting in the 2017-18 school year. Hermansen attended Southwest Schools for 13 years and taught in Barry County schools for 14 years.
Hermansen was chosen out of a pool of more than 20 applicants, according to Southwest R-5 superintendent Tosha Tilford. After screening, the administrative team chose five applicants to interview, but only three attended interviews. Hermansen ended up being selected. Hermansen is replacing Beverly Bonner, middle school principal for the past 10 years.
Hermansen said her roots to the area led her desire to seek the position. She said, “The opportunity to go back to your alma mater is perfect. I know the community and grew up there, and I know there is a lot of support from the community and parents for the school, which is even more reason for me to want to go back there.”
Tosha said that Hermansen’s connection to the school is anticipated to make her an asset to the district. “She attended K-12 education at Southwest and has a deep connection with the school district and the community. She understands what it takes to be successful and has the determination and desire to lead the middle school toward excellence.”
Hermansen said she doesn’t plan to make any big changes as soon as she takes position. Instead, she wants to listen and learn from the current teachers and staff and make progress from there. “I know just from being an alumni and that their test scores have been highest in the area, they are doing well. My main priority going in is to support teachers and make sure they have what they need and listen to them. I want to find out what direction they want to go. They have been very successful, and I plan on listening to them and go from there.”
Tilford added, “The Southwest District’s educational initiatives focus upon continuously improving curriculum and building collaborative professional learning communities. Ms. Hermansen seemed well prepared to continue this vision.”
Hermansen worked for Exeter for five years, Cassville for seven and Monett for the last two. She has taught English most of the time, with a stint as the K-2 librarian at Cassville. However, she said she is glad to be returning to the middle school environment. “My love has always been middle school. I enjoy that age group a whole lot, and that seems to always be where I landed.”
Hermansen lives in Cassville with her husband, Wade, of 20 years. They have three children: Clara, 16, Andrew, 13, and Olivia, 10.
Hermansen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Missouri State University, a Master’s Degree from Missouri State University, teaching certification from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin and a Specialist Education in Administration from William Woods University.
Charlea Estes
Southwest alumni and Barry County teacher Christy Hermansen was hired as Southwest Middle School’s new principal starting in the 2017-18 school year. Hermansen attended Southwest Schools for 13 years and taught in Barry County schools for 14 years.
Hermansen was chosen out of a pool of more than 20 applicants, according to Southwest R-5 superintendent Tosha Tilford. After screening, the administrative team chose five applicants to interview, but only three attended interviews. Hermansen ended up being selected. Hermansen is replacing Beverly Bonner, middle school principal for the past 10 years.
Hermansen said her roots to the area led her desire to seek the position. She said, “The opportunity to go back to your alma mater is perfect. I know the community and grew up there, and I know there is a lot of support from the community and parents for the school, which is even more reason for me to want to go back there.”
Tosha said that Hermansen’s connection to the school is anticipated to make her an asset to the district. “She attended K-12 education at Southwest and has a deep connection with the school district and the community. She understands what it takes to be successful and has the determination and desire to lead the middle school toward excellence.”
Hermansen said she doesn’t plan to make any big changes as soon as she takes position. Instead, she wants to listen and learn from the current teachers and staff and make progress from there. “I know just from being an alumni and that their test scores have been highest in the area, they are doing well. My main priority going in is to support teachers and make sure they have what they need and listen to them. I want to find out what direction they want to go. They have been very successful, and I plan on listening to them and go from there.”
Tilford added, “The Southwest District’s educational initiatives focus upon continuously improving curriculum and building collaborative professional learning communities. Ms. Hermansen seemed well prepared to continue this vision.”
Hermansen worked for Exeter for five years, Cassville for seven and Monett for the last two. She has taught English most of the time, with a stint as the K-2 librarian at Cassville. However, she said she is glad to be returning to the middle school environment. “My love has always been middle school. I enjoy that age group a whole lot, and that seems to always be where I landed.”
Hermansen lives in Cassville with her husband, Wade, of 20 years. They have three children: Clara, 16, Andrew, 13, and Olivia, 10.
Hermansen earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Missouri State University, a Master’s Degree from Missouri State University, teaching certification from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin and a Specialist Education in Administration from William Woods University.
