Transition Plus
Helping Young Adults Succeed
New Administrator
I was hoping to get this out on day one, but many of you are not in the building nor will most likely will check your email until you need to. Good for you! I hope you are enjoying your summer.
I wanted to introduce myself and share a little about me as we go through ESY and start up the new school year.
I am new to MPS but have been in Minnesota for almost 11 years. I recently finished my Principal license and will finish my Special Ed Director license by the end of the summer. I have an extensive background working with individuals with disabilities that goes back to my early teen years. I began working in the schools as an occupational therapist and have worked in multiple states. I was an Autism Specialist with District 287 nine years and additionally I have been an Innovation Coach for five years. I am excited to join the T-Plus family.
What's Important to Me?
My Values
I wanted to share with you what I value so we can understand and work with each other to be the best we can for our students.
First of all, I value students and feel strongly that it is our charge to help them be as successful as possible through our teaching and their learning. I will consistently ask whether what we do is in the best interests of students. All students have the ability to learn and it is our jobs to help them with this and encourage them to be lifelong learners.
I believe in working together as a team and shared leadership; we all have so much to learn from each other if we are open to it. Whenever possible, I encourage a democratic process with a lens of equity and fairness. With that said, there will be times when I will need to manage versus lead.
Direct and open communication is important to the success of us as a school community. If you have questions about anything please ask. I will always assume positive intent unless given reason otherwise and would ask that you do the same. I ask that you do this with your colleagues as well. When in doubt, check it out! Ask a person directly what they meant or their intention.
Jason Backes
Transition Plus Administrator
Wilder School
Email: Jason.Backes@mpls.k12.mn.us
Website: http://transplus.mpls.k12.mn.us/home
Location: 3320 Elliot Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: 612-668-4101
Twitter: @Jasoninmn