National certification of School Resource Officer becomes a catalyst for positivity and teamwork at Northdale Middle School
(07/02/2025) Northdale Middle School (NMS) School Resource Officer (SRO) and the Coon Rapids Police Department Detective Ryan Olson, is officially the first-ever police officer to earn the Catalyst Certification. Throughout the process of obtaining the certification, educators and coaches learn practical strategies to effectively manage behavior while prioritizing connection.
Detective Olson's initial interest in the Catalyst Approach was to better support students and staff while he was at the school. Dr. Elizabeth Keeling, an instructional coach at NMS, invited him to attend the training program with other teachers.
He first earned the lunchroom certification in the fall, and was impressed by the order that was brought to the cafeteria by having team strategies in place among the NMS staff. “Just by being in certain spots, we can control and command the space without saying a word to kids and use my voice for building and maintaining positive relationships with students.” He then began envisioning additional positive impacts he could have in his role and continued with the training.
On May 9, he earned the prestigious Catalyst Whole Group Foundational Skills certification for use in the classroom. “His ability to connect with students creates a fun, joyful, and welcoming learning environment where students get to be themselves and share openly,” Keeling said. “And, his use of a variety of engagement modes is especially impressive, boosting both interest and participation from students in the room.”
Throughout the school year, he has visited health classes to share the effects of chemical and alcohol use, and English Language Arts (ELA) classes to teach students about safe social media use and the impact of their digital footprint. “It’s surprising how well it works,” Olson explained. “Kids can look and know what to expect, it sets them up for success which builds trust and confidence in the students.”
Olson also serves as an assistant coach for the Andover High School hockey and lacrosse teams. With 16 years of youth coaching experience, he notices a difference in the interactions he has with players that can hear and understand him better, and know when to participate verbally versus executing skills on the field or on the ice.
The success of this partnership at NMS has been a team effort among the school staff, serving as a unique and powerful example of how law enforcement and staff can work together to create a productive learning environment and positive school culture.