The Power and Promise of Public Education

Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." These words serve as a constant reminder of the purpose behind choosing this profession and the passion that sustains the work today. Public schools stand as the most capable institutions for providing high-quality learning opportunities to every child. In honor of Public Schools Week, it is a privilege to share a deep appreciation for public education, especially within the incredible community of Willmar Public Schools.

A Commitment to Every Student 

The greatest strength of public education is the unwavering commitment to serve every student, regardless of their background or individual circumstances. Within our district, this commitment is realized by ensuring that all classes and programs remain fully accessible to every learner. Rather than selecting who walks through our doors, we embrace the entire community, celebrating its inherent diversity and nurturing the unique potential found within each child.

This dedication is reflected in a comprehensive academic framework that spans from early childhood programs through high school graduation. In many cases, our commitment extends even further, supporting students through age 22 via specialized transition programs like the Focus House. By meeting students exactly where they are and providing the specific tools they need to thrive, we ensure every learner is career, college, military, and/or life ready.

Opportunities Abound

A quick look at the Willmar Senior High School curriculum shows just how robust public education can be. For students looking to accelerate their futures, we partner with St. Cloud State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, Ridgewater College, and MState Fergus Falls to offer College in the Schools (CIS) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Because of these partnerships, our students can potentially leave high school with a total of 34 college credits.

But we also know that a traditional four-year degree isn't the only path to success. We offer outstanding Career and Technical Education programs. In our Kandiyohi CEO program students visit over forty local businesses, hear from dozens of guest speakers, and ultimately graduate from the class owning their own business. We also offer classes like Drones, where students learn to use GPS technology and can earn their remote pilot certificate, and Welding 3, where students manage and operate a fabrication business by fulfilling real customer orders.

We are also deeply committed to inclusion and supporting every learner's specific needs. For students meeting Minnesota state criteria, our Special Education department offers tailored courses like Learning For Life and Everyday Academics. We also proudly offer Unified Agriculture and Unified Physical Education, where students explore subjects alongside their peers, completing hands-on activities in partner groups to grow their understanding and empathy. Additionally, our REACH program collaborates with school counselors, social workers, and teachers to help at-risk students work successfully toward graduation.

Driven by Dedicated Professionals 

None of these amazing programs would matter without the people leading them. We have highly qualified, licensed staff providing education in our classrooms. Although we always have areas to improve in, the staff at Willmar Public Schools is 100% committed to continuous improvement. They spend countless hours striving for that improvement, designing better lessons, connecting with families, and ensuring our schools are safe, welcoming environments.

A Calling Worth Pursuing  Choosing a career in public education is a path that brings a lot of joy. Despite the inherent challenges, it remains a true calling to serve others and make a lasting impact on society. Because of the joy found in this work, I continually encourage others, including my own children, to pursue this rewarding profession.

Willmar Public Schools actively inspires students to join this noble field by providing clear, accessible pathways into teaching. High school students can begin exploring the profession through our Introduction to Education course or gain college credit via CIS Introduction to Education, which features a 15-hour paid field experience in a K-12 classroom. Our commitment to developing the next generation of educators is further strengthened by our Teacher Apprenticeship Program, which offers aspiring teachers a unique, hands-on route to gain professional experience and support while pursuing their teaching license.

As we celebrate Public Schools Week, thank you for supporting our schools, our staff, and most importantly, our students. Together, we are utilizing the power of education to change the world.