Bethel Professor Chosen Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent

Following a national search, David Law, adjunct professor in Bethel’s M.A. in Teaching program, has been chosen as superintendent of the Anoka-Hennepin School District, the largest district in Minnesota. He was one of three final candidates in a pool that also included Michelle Langenfeld, adjunct professor in Bethel’s doctor of education program.

Law has served in public education throughout his career. After attending school in the Anoka-Hennepin district and following a stint in the legal profession, Law taught school in California and then became an administrator. He served as principal of one of White Bear Lake, Minnesota’s middle schools before becoming assistant superintendent in that district four years ago.

Law believes we are at a critical time in public education. “Many people question our education system, and in turn, our future,” he says. “I am excited to work in this new position, supporting teachers and educators as we empower students and give our community hope for a brighter future.” Law says he and other leaders have the opportunity to “model patience, compassion, caring, and a belief that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. My personal values play a role in how I interact with people within our system and throughout the community.” 

Through teaching both the student teacher seminar course and the professional development course in the M.A. in Teaching program, Law helps aspiring teachers understand what administrators look for when hiring new staff, explains Molly Wickam, program director for the M.A. in Teaching program. “My students, who are preparing for their initial teaching licenses, have also appreciated learning from Dr. Law’s K-12 leadership experiences.  Dr. Law is a creative and visionary adjunct instructor who embodies the practitioner-scholar instructional model we strive for in the Graduate School.”

Law begins his new role in July.