Bear Named ND Elementary National Distinguished Principal
The North Dakota Association of Elementary School Principals (NDAESP) is proud to announce that Jenell Bear, Principal of Edwin Loe Elementary School in New Town, ND, has been named the 2025 North Dakota National Distinguished Principal. This prestigious honor, part of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal Award program, recognizes outstanding elementary school principals for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success.
Mrs. Bear began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Conrad, Montana, where she taught a multi-grade classroom of students in grades 4 through 8. After several years in Montana, she moved to New Town, North Dakota, where she taught various elementary grades, including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, before transitioning into the role of K-5 Reading Coach. In 2018, she was appointed as Lead Principal at Edwin Loe Elementary School, a position she continues to hold with great dedication.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Bear has been guided by her mentor, Superintendent Mr. Marc Bluestone, whose unwavering support has played a pivotal role in her development as an administrator. His leadership and encouragement have helped shape her approach to school leadership, inspiring her commitment to fostering a positive and thriving learning environment.
Mrs. Bear has spent over 20 years at Edwin Loe Elementary School, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and the surrounding community. Under her leadership, the school has seen remarkable improvements in student achievement, particularly in reading and math scores.
One of her most impactful initiatives has been the implementation of a 90-minute dedicated reading block for all 555 students. The session begins with a fun, energizing dance down the hallway, allowing students to shake off any jitters before focusing on their reading instruction. Since launching this program, reading scores have improved year after year, with math scores following suit.