ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Dawn Brown, principal of Washington Learning Center, with the 2018 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award.

Principals are responsible for a school’s instruction, school culture and resource leadership. The award honors principals whose exemplary leadership and sustained efforts have made noteworthy contributions to the operation of effective school learning programs, improving education, their communities, and their profession.

Brown was recognized by colleagues statewide on Feb. 8, during MESPA Institute, the annual statewide convention of Minnesota’s elementary and middle level principals.

Brown summed up her educational philosophy in a quote by Margaret Mead: “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

Brown was nominated by Michelle Rosen, principal at Fairmont Elementary in Fairmont Area Schools, on behalf of the MESPA Southwest Division principals.

Her most significant career accomplishments include:

• NAESP Zone 7 Resolutions Committee representative

• Leading the development and opening of the Washington Learning Center preschool and kindergarten center into a developmentally appropriate school focused on literacy, early intervention, outdoor learning, and purposeful P.L.A.Y.

• Developing strong teacher leaders.

MESPA members selected 13 of their peers to receive the 2018 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award.