April 11, 2019
Truman Middle School Principal Dr. Mike Straatmann has been named 2019 Middle School Principal of the Year by the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals. Dr. Straatmann is one of eight regional award winners recognized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals.
“Dr. Straatmann leads with integrity, prioritizing student needs above all else,” said Dr. Tara Sparks, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “I’ve always been impressed with his ability to identify problems and find solutions that result in improved learning experiences for kids.”
Dr. Straatmann has been serving Lindbergh families for more than 18 years. He joined the district in 2001 as a special education teacher, before making the switch to Special School District area coordinator for Lindbergh’s secondary schools in 2007. Dr. Straatmann also served on the district’s middle school redesign committee, which successfully separated Sperreng Middle School into two middle schools in 2011.
In 2012, Dr. Straatmann was named assistant principal at Truman Middle School, where he focused on teacher collaboration to improve student achievement and school culture, and build positive relationships within the school community. Truman was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2015, and Dr. Straatmann transitioned to the school’s top administrative role in 2016.
Under Dr. Straatmann’s leadership, Truman continues to foster a positive learning environment where students feel safe, valued and inspired to reach their full potential. His emphasis on character education and leadership helped create the school’s first ever Service Day last fall, with students completing more than 40 service-learning projects throughout the community. Most recently, Truman was named a 2019 Missouri School of Character by the Character Education Partnership.
“I am truly blessed to be able to serve the students and staff at Truman on a daily basis,” said Dr. Straatmann. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my colleagues, family and friends.”
Dr. Straatmann earned his Bachelor of Science in cross categorical special education from Avila College in Kansas City, his Master of Science in educational administration from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.; and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University.
