Anoka-Hennepin field trip is a learning journey for Commissioner Jett

There’s no question that having first-hand knowledge of what happens in schools helps leaders as they make decisions about their future. A special visit from Minnesota Education Commissioner Willie Jett on May 8 put the focus on the programs and people at work in Anoka-Hennepin Schools.

Why it matters: Commissioner Jett has a goal of visiting every Minnesota school district and has been traveling the state to reach his goal. He connected with Hoover principal Minh Strusz to coordinate a visit to Anoka-Hennepin. In a unique connection from the past, Jett served as a teacher coach at Champlin Park High School during the same time that Strusz attended and graduated from the school. 

Go deeper: During the visit, Commissioner Jett read an uplifting book to kindergarten students, viewed interactive STEM-H lessons in the Hoover hallways and classrooms, learned of a student-led leadership program to support a safe school culture, and more. 

Hoover Elementary for Biomedical, Health Services and Engineering and speciality school was recently awarded the 2026 Minnesota STEM Innovation Award by the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association, along with the Science Museum of Minnesota. 

View photos from the event.