Osmond graduate to be elementary principal at Plainview
(By: Natalie Lingenfelter,
Plainview News Writer)
PLAINVIEW — For 16 years, Jen Hodson has been teaching at Plainview Elementary School; including four years in the high school, and starting on July 1, 2021, Hodson will take on a new role as Plainview Elementary School’s newest principal. Hodson graduated with her master’s in College and Administration from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska in 2008. “I spent two years during the school year and summers to earn the degree,” said Hodson. Being a principal was one of Hodson’s professional goals and enjoyed leadership roles early in her teaching career. “I had colleagues encourage me to pursue administration,” shared Hodson. “Shortly after earning my degree, I served Plainview Public Schools with various leadership roles to help with some of the administrative duties when we were a two-administrator district.” Plainview Elementary School’s former principal, Heather Thompson, made the staff aware of the opening shortly after it was communicated to the other administrators. Hodson’s family was excited for her to apply because they knew it was a goal of hers. Administrators, staff, and a secretary spent about an hour and a half interviewing Hodson for the position. “They alternated asking me questions while I answered them,” said Hodson. “Being a staff member myself made some of the questions easier to answer because I knew the direction our building was going and the goals we have for the future. I felt good going into the interview and I feel better after completing the interview process.” After her interview, Hodson went back to her classroom to teach her sixth grade class. “I taught fourth through sixth grade science, seventh through ninth grade English/math, and fifth through sixth grade math and science,” said Hodson. When Hodson was offered the position, she was overjoyed with tears. “I have worked hard for this opportunity over the last several years. My family was excited for me as well. Plus, we do not have to move” for her to take advantage of such a role. As an elementary principal, Hodson’s role will be to organize, facilitate, and support teachers through the educational year. “I plan to be just asinvolved with the daily activities at school, so that part will not change for me,” said Hodson. Hodson has enjoyed her leadershiproles within the community and is excited to continue the journey byhelping lead the staff and students to success. “The experiences I have withstudents, staff, parents, and people within this fine community are an added plus to this position,” said Hodson. “I am very involved within theschool and community and that helps with the communication as well.” In her first year, Hodson will be part of picking out a new math series first semester in hopes of training and piloting the program second semester before all the teachers take on the new series. “I want to assist teachers with their daily tasks, enhance learning opportunities for our students, ...
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