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Superintendent Welcome
Students who only know how to perform well in today’s education system—get good grades and test scores, and earn degrees—will no longer be those who are most likely to succeed. Thriving in the twenty-first century will require real competencies, far more than academic credentials. Now, adults need to be able to ask great questions, critically analyze information, form independent opinions, collaborate, and communicate effectively. These are the skills essential for both career and citizenship.
Welcome!
Eden Prairie Schools is an incredible place for students to learn and grow. This district has enjoyed a long-standing reputation of excellence that is built on high expectations for our students and staff.
I believe it is our purpose to create an environment of care and support where each student is inspired every day. We can do this best by knowing them as learners and individuals, recognizing their skills and motivations, and pushing them to excel. In Eden Prairie Schools, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning while exploring their interests and finding passions.
Eden Prairie Schools is looking forward to the future to ensure our students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. Dr. Tony Wagner, co-author of Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era and current Expert In Residence at Harvard University’s new Innovation Lab says.
That’s why we are preparing our students for skills employers demand. Our classrooms emphasize personalized learning and the 4C’s: communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Our strategic plan guides all our work and sets us on a path to inspire each student every day. The plan includes lofty goals where all of us - staff members, parents, students and community members - work together to achieve the very best for our students.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our website. I hope it leaves you informed, inspired, and wanting to know more. Please call if you have a question or connect with any one of our individual schools to arrange for a visit. There is no better way to understand the excellence behind Eden Prairie Schools than to experience it for yourself.
Dr. Josh Swanson
Superintendent
Superintendent Biography
Dr. Josh Swanson began his duties as superintendent of Eden Prairie Schools on August 21, 2017.
Dr. Swanson has been a key member of district leadership since joining the district in October of 2012. As executive director of technology, his expertise and leadership was instrumental in the development and rollout of the district’s i-Learn initiative. As assistant superintendent, he assumed the role of key academic advisor to the superintendent.
Prior to his tenure in Eden Prairie Schools, Dr. Swanson worked within the Wayzata and Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school districts. He has served as a paraprofessional, teacher, coach, middle school athletic director, assistant principal, consultant, student support services administrator, director of technology and information services. Dr. Swanson also worked for Merrill Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, prior to starting his career in education and brings that experience to his work.
Dr. Swanson is passionate about student and adult learning, continuous improvement, K-12 education, and technology. The work of his teams has resulted in increased learning and access through research based instructional practice and the use of technology. He led one of the first “bring your own device” initiatives in the state of Minnesota, and has collaboratively implemented a digital conversion in Eden Prairie Schools. This initiative ensures each student has access, empowers students and staff, and opens new doors as learning is personalized.
Dr. Swanson is also active in statewide educational leadership. He has served as the president of Phi Delta Kappa at the University of Minnesota (a professional association for educators providing research and resources for leadership and best practice), as the chair of the technology leaders at TIES, and on the board for the Minnesota Association of School Administrators. He continues to be active in statewide educational leadership while also serving in local organizations such as the Eden Prairie Rotary and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce board.
Dr. Swanson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and his master’s, post-master’s administrative licenses, and doctorate from St. Mary’s University. He is the father of two Eagles and a proud member of the Eden Prairie community.