Otter Lake Elementary Principal receives division leadership award

Otter Lake Elementary Principal Ang Nelson was recently honored with the East Suburban Division Leadership Award by Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association. Nelson has served as Otter's principal since 2023. She previously served in principal and associate principal roles at White Bear Lake Area High School.

"Ang's commitment to supporting students, families and professional colleagues - both within our district and beyond - shines through in the way she approaches her work each day," said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. "We're incredibly proud of her for receiving this well-deserved honor."

Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association press release:

White Bear Lake Principal Angela Nelson Honored with MESPA Division Leadership Award

[Roseville, MN, December 2, 2025]  — In recognition of her outstanding leadership and deep commitment to supporting fellow principals, Angela Nelson, principal of Otter Lake Elementary in White Bear Lake Area Schools, has been named the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) East Suburban Division Leadership Award recipient.

Nelson’s leadership stands out for her dedication to collaboration, mentorship, and community building. The Division Leadership Award honors principals who have gone above and beyond to strengthen leadership within their geographic area—supporting colleagues, inspiring educators, and enhancing learning for students across the region.

“Ang Nelson embodies the heart of what it means to be a leader in education,” said Michelle Krell, Executive Director of MESPA. “Her commitment to excellence, her genuine care for others, and her ability to lift up those around her make her an incredible asset not only to Otter Lake Elementary but to the entire East Suburban division. She leads with authenticity, optimism, and courage.”

Nelson’s journey as an educational leader is marked by accomplishments that reflect her focus on both excellence and empathy. Under her leadership, Otter Lake Elementary earned School of Excellence validation, a prestigious recognition of the school’s high standards in academics, leadership, and community engagement. Nelson also received the TIES Exceptional Teacher Award, underscoring her lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.

For Nelson, the award is both an honor and a reflection of collective effort. “To receive the East Suburban Division Leadership Award is truly an honor, and it reflects the incredible dedication of our entire school community—our staff, our families, and especially our amazing students!” she said.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Nelson’s career has been seeing former students return as colleagues or as parents of children at Otter Lake. “Having students I worked with early in my career come back to either work for me or as a parent with a student in my building—and hearing about the impact I had on them—is one of the greatest rewards of this profession,” she shared.

Nelson, who has served as both Division President-Elect and Division President for the East Suburban division of MESPA, draws inspiration from the words of A.A. Milne: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” It’s a philosophy she brings to her leadership—encouraging both students and staff to believe in their abilities and strive toward their fullest potential.

With her passion for education and her dedication to uplifting others, Angela Nelson continues to serve as a role model for principals across Minnesota—leading not only her school but her community with heart and purpose.

About MESPA
The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association is the premier leadership resource for elementary and middle-level principals, dedicated to supporting and connecting school leaders. MESPA’s mission is to ensure that every child in Minnesota receives a high-quality, inclusive education by empowering principals as the critical leaders of their schools.

For more information, visit mespa.net/Division-Leaders