Douma starts new journey at H-M-S

Heidi Douma's passion for teaching might be hereditary.

Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn's new middle school principal comes to the district with not only a solid resume, but also deep family ties to PK-12 education.

"My mom was a teacher and my sisters were all involved in education in some way," she said. "After initially majoring in business, I felt God calling me to the education field and especially early childhood and special education."

Douma's first official day was July 1. She brings to H-M-S a varied background in teaching that runs the gambit from preschool to higher education.

Douma first worked as an early childhood special education teacher following graduation from college. She later taught TK and preschool at Sibley-Ocheyedan for 12 years, then in 2017 became a professor of practice in the education department at Northwestern College. For the past three years, she has worked as a special education consultant for NWAEA.

Douma holds a B.A. from Northwestern College, Master's Degree from Buena Vista University, and administrative certification from Midland University. She said the move into the principalship at H-M-S Middle School was a decision based on opportunity.

"Although I had completed the principal endorsement, I wasn't really looking to move into administration right away," she said. "However, when the position came open just three miles from home in Sanborn, I decided to apply. I was familiar with the staff and the quality of education H-M-S provided. The idea of working in the district again with some familiar staff was something that definitely interested me."

Though Douma is only a few days into her new job, she noted H-M-S in recent years has grown as a professional learning community and believed the district is committed to giving students the right tools and instructional support to learn. She said her first goal is to build relationships with the staff, students and families while prioritizing culture building and social emotional learning.

"I will be the fourth middle school principal at H-M-S in four years. My first concern is to restore school culture by continuing the work that was started by Mr. Van Voorst and the middle school staff," she said. "I want the students and families of the district to trust that our staff will be relentless in our efforts to support them."

Douma lives west of Sanborn with her husband, Kent, who farms. They have three children, the youngest of whom is a freshman at H-M-S.

Douma was thankful for the opportunity to serve students at H-M-S and looked forward to the year ahead.

"I believe that God doesn't always call those who are equipped. Instead, He equips those He calls," she said. "I am learning already that I will be surrounded with an outstanding group of teachers and staff members at H-M-S Middle School who are resilient and committed to working collaboratively to do the important work of educating our children."