“Working with our Hoover team, Minh is solution and people oriented. She will provide the resources we need whether it is ideas, advice, time, or supplies. She supports us, our learners and our families in trying ideas and in growing and learning from our mistakes. She leads with the whole team in mind. She is humble and she has high, realistic expectations for growth for herself and all of us at Hoover.” - Kandy Schroer, academic support teacher at Hoover.

Minh Strusz, principal at Hoover Elementary School - Biomedical, Health Sciences and Engineering has been recognized as a 2022-23 Above & Beyond Awards recipient. Strusz is a dedicated educator who partners with students, families and her staff to provide meaningful and memorable learning opportunities that will engage and initiate positive change-makers. 

Strusz, a 1996 Champlin Park High School graduate and former student at Monroe Elementary and Jackson Middle School, is in her sixth year at Anoka-Hennepin. She spent four years as the curriculum integrator at Hoover before moving into administration. 

“What I’ve learned as a principal, is that it’s not about me and won’t ever be,” Strusz said. “It’s about prioritizing the students at Hoover and to do that, I have to listen to and understand the needs of the staff and families.”

The “we” over “me” approach has led to a supportive and collaborative working and learning environment at Hoover. Strusz has implemented a shared leadership model where she works with her talented team of dedicated and knowledgeable educators who are all-in when given a chance to be a part of a collective to solve problems for Hoover students, staff and families. 

Strusz believes that all of the staff members at Hoover bring talent, gifts and passion to their work and her goal is to help them shine. Through her leadership and collaboration, she helps turn “what ifs'' into realities at Hoover.

The 2023 Above & Beyond Awards ceremony to honor Strusz and 12 other exceptional employees  took place March 29 at the Educational Service Center (ESC).

Watch her profile video.