St. Michael-Albertville High School started the 2018-19 school year with two new assistant principals. One of them, Aaron Tepp, gave his notice of resignation mid-October, citing family reasons. STMA tapped retired activities director, Brian Benson, to serve as interim assistant principal during the hiring process, and Edward Cox took over the role at the beginning of December.
Cox came to STMA from the Shakopee school district, where he worked as an assistant principal and in the teaching and learning department for the past 4 ½ years. Prior to that, he worked in the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose school district for 13 years as a science teacher and a member of their district office.
He said he knew from a young age that he wanted to find a career in public education.
“I loved science, but I knew I wanted to work directly with people, too,” he said.
I am beyond excited to learn more about the district, community, and area,” Cox added. “STMA has a strong history of high performance and I am hopeful I can help the high school and district continue its goal of being one of the best school districts in the state.”
Cox said STMA’s strong reputation for excellence and achievement attracted him to the job opening, despite the mid-year timing.
“I knew that the administrative team and teachers are highly respected in the area and will push me to be the best I can be,” he said. “I live in the area and am excited to be at STMA for a long time.”
Cox is a father to four sons, ranging in age from six to 14. He said he and his family enjoy hunting, fishing and camping together, and he said they also spend a lot of their time at their kids’ activities, which at this time of the year mostly means the basketball court.
“Ed has been a great addition to the high school,” high school principal Bob Driver said. “Coming into a school mid-year can be difficult, but Ed has been transitioning very well. He is building relationships with both students and staff and has been a positive, visible presence at our school. We are excited that he has joined our team.”
