SJSD School Board appoints Spring Garden, Truman assistant principal
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph School District's Board of Education approved the appointment of a new assistant principal at both Spring Garden and Truman Middle Schools.
Kari Crouse brings 24 years of experience in education. She's been a teacher, instructional coach, school administrator and English Language Development (ELD) specialist.
She's no stranger to the SJSD, having graduated from Benton High School in 1996. She's also a lifelong member of the St. Joseph community and lives in the area with her two sons.
Crouse has spent 16 years with SJSD, which includes four years as an English teacher at Spring Garden, time as the ELD lead teacher and the past 12 years as an ELD teacher at Benton High School.
Crouse began her career in education as an English teacher at Savannah High School and later served as an instructional coach and vice principal in the Kansas City School District and as an ELD director at Maur Hill-Mount Academy.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education and a Master of Applied Science in TESOL from Missouri Western State University, as well as a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.
Crouse is looking to obtain an Educational Specialist degree in Education Leadership at Northwest in the spring.
"As a product of this district and a parent with children in the district, I am dedicated to its continued growth and success," Crouse said. "I want to see SJSD thrive and build a strong bond with students, staff, families and the community. I believe if we all work together, we can create a culture of unity and acceptance. I am proud to serve this district and the community."
Throughout her career, Crouse has served as a mentor for new teachers and participated in the SJSD Aspiring Leadership Cohort, SJSD curriculum writing team and Prairie Lands Writing Project as a Teacher Consultant.
She has also served as a PBIS chair, professional development coordinator, data assessment coordinator and member of the state MAP review team.
Crouse also coached and sponsored speech and debate, cheerleading, flags, dance and theater.
