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By Crystal Reith Murray County Central has named Tessa Dierks as the new grades 7 to12 principal, with her duties set to begin July 1.
Returning to MCC holds special meaning for Dierks, as the district played a major role in her own educational journey.
“This is where it all began for me,” she said. “It feels like coming home. David Blanchard, the MCC art teacher, was the reason I wanted to become an art teacher.”
Dierks, a Slayton-area native who grew up on a farm near Avoca, is currently serving as assistant principal at the Worthington Middle School, a position she has held for the past three years.
A 2000 graduate of MCC, Dierks earned her bachelor of arts degree in art education from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Dierks began her educational career in 2004 as a paraprofessional at MCC before accepting a kindergarten-through-eighthgrade art teaching position at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton that was contracted through the Lynd School District.
“It was a great experience with great people and in a nice community,” said Dierks. “It was also daunting because there wasn’t any curriculum. It was my first dive into Minnesota state and national standards. I learned how to write curriculum that aligns with those standards, but also vertically aligns with grade level too.”
When a high school art teaching position became available, she transitioned to the Worthington School District in 2010.
WhileteachinginWorthington, Dierks was invited to serve on a committee tasked with creating a framework for teacher evaluation. In 2014, she moved into a peer observation and instructional coach role, working with educators across all grade levels and departments. In addition to that role, she helped lead and support new teacher and paraprofessional induction programs for the district.
“At that point, I felt that was my calling by giving back to new teachers,” said Dierks who earned a master’s degree in education in 2016 from Augustana. “I love education and teaching. This was the pinnacle. I always wanted to give back and helping new teachers was the perfect job for me.”
However, as COVID changed the dynamics of teaching and educational leadership, Dierks decided to return to school to further her education.
“Some really influential people encouraged me to go back,” she said. “I needed to do that to better support the people that I work beside.”
In May 2023, after completing her education specialist degree and earning Minnesota K-12 principal and superintendent licensure through Minnesota State University, Moorhead, Dierks began her new job as the assistant principal at the Worthington Middle School. While at the middle school, she had the opportunity to work closely with mentor and Worthington Middle School Principal Toni Madsen.
“She has always been an inspiration to me as a woman in leadership,” said Dierks. “She’s so strong and works really hard to make it a really great place for staff and students.”
Throughout her teaching and administration career, Dierks’ passion for education has been shaped by building relationships and creating environments where students feel supported.
“Learning is secondary to how kids feel,” she said. “When students feel safe, motivated and engaged, that’s when the amazing things happen. Relationships and trust are the foundation to everything else.”
As a leader, Dierks describes herself as relational and teamoriented, emphasizing collaboration among staff, students and families.
“I want to work alongside people and bring teams together,” she said. “I lead with my heart and have empathy and understanding while still asking the right questions to dive deeper.” Dierks plans to build on the work of her predecessor, Mr. Scandrett, through her collaborative leadership style.
“My vision is for the school to continue with the academic excellence and the community support that we have,” said Dierks. “It’s also important to continue traditions and to offer experiences that students can grow with. It’s something different than when I went to school. It’s exciting to me.”
As principal, Dierks’ priorities will include building relationships, maintaining a positive school culture and supporting both academic excellence and student engagement. She added that visibility and communication will be key in her first year, along with learning from staff and students.
“I’m excited to get to know everyone, learn their names and be present at events,” she said. “I’m here to support every student. My door is always open, and I will try my best to be a good listener.”
While transitioning into a new role comes with challenges, Dierks is eager to learn and build relationships with students, parents and staff.
“The first year is always a learning experience,” she said. “I’m looking forward to growing in this role and working with a supportive community.”
Dierks expressed gratitude for those who have influenced and supported her career, including mentors, colleagues and former teachers, as well as her family.
“As an educator and administrator, there are many long hours, and our own families sometimes get put on hold,” she said. “I could not have been a teacher, gone back to school or taken on a principal role without the support of my husband. He has always helped with our kids, while growing his own business, and pushed me to continue to reach my goals.” Dierks and her husband, Brad, have four children, Aidan, Addy, Beau and Baylor.
While Dierks said she will miss her colleagues in Worthington, she is ready for the next chapter.
“I’m sad to leave Worthington, but I’m excited for a new adventure,” she said. “It’s time to come home.”
