2023 Richard Green Scholars Announced

Dr. Amy LaDue and Dr. Peter Olson-Skog
Receive the MASA Richard Green Scholar Award

MASA has named ​​Dr. Amy LaDue and Dr. Peter Olson-Skog recipients of the 2023 Richard Green Scholar Award. Dr. LaDue and Dr. Olson-Skog will present their research, “Leading Leaders: Helping Principals Grow,” at the 2023 MASA Fall Conference, October 9-10, in Duluth, MN.

MASA established the Richard Green Scholars Program in 2006 to honor the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders. The program is an annual recognition of the research, writing, and presentation of a paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership. Scholar candidates apply for the program and a subcommittee of the MASA Executive Development Committee selects the recipient.

Dr. LaDue and Dr. Olson-Skog’s research synthesizes the findings from two studies that provide insights into how principal supervisors can develop and grow principal instructional leadership using both relational and structural systems and practices. The first study, Instructional Leadership, investigated how practicing administrators understand the meaning of being an instructional leader focused on learning and how districts and principal supervisors can support principals to further develop their capacity. The second study, Supervisor Relationships, investigated the relationship between principals and their supervisors. Specifically, what relational actions should the supervisor take, and what personal characteristics should a supervisor have to promote growth in principals as instructional leaders (from both the principal and supervisor perspective)? Dr. LaDue and Dr. Olson-Skog’s research will be posted on the MASA website at https://www.mnasa.org/2023-green-scholar-award.html.

Dr. Amy LaDue serves as the Associate Superintendent for Instruction for Minnetonka Public Schools. With more than 20 years of experience in K-12 educational leadership, she has served as an elementary teacher, elementary and intermediate school principal, director of teaching and learning, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, and an adjunct professor in educational leadership.

Dr. LaDue earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She received a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Dr. LaDue holds a K-12 principal and superintendent licensure from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Olson-Skog has served as the Superintendent for West Saint Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools since 2017. During his 25 years in education, Dr. Olson-Skog has served as an assistant superintendent, director of teaching and learning, principal, research/assessment/evaluation coordinator, and elementary teacher.  

Dr. Olson-Skog earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy, a master’s degree in Human Resource Development, and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, all obtained from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Additionally, he holds K-12 principal and superintendent licensure from the University of Minnesota.

MASA is grateful to Cuningham for their ongoing support of the Richard Green Scholars Program. Cuningham is not only committed to being an industry-leading design firm, they are an adaptable firm equipped to meet the evolving demands of a changing world. Cuningham is future-focused, optimistic, and ready to respond to the challenges of tomorrow through enduring design.