Last month, the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) announced its pick for the new Sopris Elementary School principal, who will assume the role, permanently, next school year. Carrie Hassel has been serving as the school’s interim principal this year, after nearly a decade spent as its vice principal. She was selected to step into the interim role when the school’s former principal, Dave Lindenberg, announced his retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Previously, Hassel was the principal of Elk Creek Elementary School in New Castle for three years, following ample experience as a teacher.
The Sopris Sun reached out to learn more about her background and her vision for Sopris Elementary moving forward.
What about a career in education appealed to you?
I loved being with kids and helping them do more than they ever thought they could. My first few years, I taught sixth grade and was able to work with kids to create an Egyptian tomb, have a Shakespearean banquet and “travel” to the Channel Islands with actual scientists working in the field … all while learning so much.
What is something you appreciate about Sopris Elementary?
I appreciate the dedicated, experienced staff. This team can do anything when they work together!
What has been a highlight this school year?
Our students are doing outstanding this year. It has been so wonderful to see them be more successful with their learning and behavior. Our data has never looked better.
What are some priorities for the remainder of this school year, and next?
We want to finish strong. The end of the school year can be a challenge, as everyone gets weary. We are facing budget cuts resulting in system changes for next year. But we will be resilient and continue the excellent learning that happens at Sopris.
What else would you like to share?
Being a principal is an interesting job. I chose to move into school leadership after many years of teaching. My mom helped me understand that I could make an impact on an entire school — rather than one classroom — by leading. I am able to get to know all the kids in a school, improve school systems and coach staff to become even better educators. It is very rewarding.
Hassel has been an advocate for open communication between teaching staff, administrators and parents. She referred to Collective Teacher Efficacy, an educational philosophy of teamwork across a school. While the concept uses data like test scores, it emphasizes a shared perspective of empowerment and solution identification for respective students. Implementing the philosophy means establishing a shared understanding among staff, practicing dynamic intervention when supporting student development and clear goal setting.
Hassel was selected using RFSD’s established hiring process for school leaders. That process includes full-day leadership auditions for final candidates, with presentations to school staff and parents. The interview committee included staff, parents and district leadership. There was also a separate student panel made up of Sopris Elementary students. The committee noted that Hassel is a data-focused instructional leader with a track record of success who focuses on the power of collaboration. The committee also highlighted her dedication to the school and its community.
“We are thrilled that Mrs. Hassel will continue to bring her unique leadership capabilities to Sopris Elementary School and continue to guide [the school] in fulfilling the mission to create a diverse community of engaged learners ready for the world,” said Joel Hathaway, executive director of schools. “Fly Eagles, fly!”
Principal Hassel is prioritizing staying connected with students and keeping the focus on what Sopris Elementary staff can do to support its learning community.
“I am so excited to continue leading our dedicated staff and fantastic students to future success,” she concluded.