NPHS graduate Edel new DeLaSalle principal

By: 
Patrick Fisher, pfisher@newpraguetimes.com

Brian Edel

Brian Edel, a 1999 graduate of New Prague High School, has been selected as the new principal of DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis and will begin his tenure on Friday, July 1. Edel, son of Bruce and Jean Edel of New Prague, has been a teacher, coach and moderator at schools in Minnesota and Connecticut. Edel is coming to DeLaSalle after serving as an administrator for the past 11 years at St. Thomas Academy.

“I’m excited to begin working at DeLaSalle,” Edel said. “From everything I’ve learned, DeLaSalle’s mission and outcomes resonate with my vision for Catholic secondary education. As I said in the application process, I believe in school communities that have a passion for developing students of high character, skill and potential. I am deeply invested in students becomingpositive contributors in their communities and seeing themselves as part of a global community. It’s particularly exciting to work at a place like DeLaSalle, a Catholic high school in a diverse community that values the voices and experiences of students, families and educators for the betterment of society.”

At St. Thomas Academy, Edel had recently been the Upper School Director since 2016 and prior to that served as Dean of Students. As Upper School Director, Edel was responsible for the daily operations of the school, overseeing teachers as well as academic and operations support staff, collaborating with other school administrators on curriculum and educational programming, budgeting, student activities, counseling and college planning, and managing budgets, evaluation and calendar events. All of these duties align with the primary duties of the principal’s role at DeLaSalle.

Edel said his growing up in New Prague was fantastic and has been an influence in his life. “I’ve been grateful for growing up in New Prague, which is such a tight knit community,” he said, adding that he knew about his roots and heritage. “Having my family and friends and the sense of community is something I’ve looked for in other places.” He added it was something he saw in St. Thomas and sees in DeLaSalle a vibrant community.

Edel said at New Prague High School his social studies teacher Dan Puls inspired him to go into teaching. Edel said he had good administrative leaders who recognized his leadership qualities and encouraged him to go into school administration. “I’ve had tremendous mentors along the way,” said Edel.

Edel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education from St. John’s University in Collegeville, and a Master of Science in Comprehensive Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, as well as a Certification of Advanced Graduate Studies in Education Administration from the University of New England. He also has previous experience in service leadership coordinating a prison tutor program while in college, and teaching experiences in both China and New Zealand.

Edel said he was in a study abroad program that brought him to China in 2001 where he was able to teach at a local university. His time in New Zealand was in 2004 where he did his student teaching. Edel lives in Hastings and he has three children, Liam, age 14, Alena, 12, and Reid, 7.

 

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