The Springfield region of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP) recently selected Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Principal Angie Carder of Wanda Gray Elementary as Distinguished Principal. 

A Missouri State University alumna, Carder is one of 11 principals nominated for this award in the state of Missouri. MAESP chose Carder for her collaboration with colleagues, mentorship and hands-on approach to administration. 

“It was really nice to be honored by my colleagues and highlighted as a leader,” she said. 

The path to Wanda Gray 

Carder completed her undergraduate studies at Evangel University in 1993. She began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Doling Elementary in the same year (closed in the early 2000s).  

When Carder was a new teacher, a principal encouraged her to pursue a career in administration.  

“I had a principal who said I was a natural influencer and a positive change in mindset in our school,” she said. “I loved the classroom, but I realized administration might be an opportunity I could explore down the road.” 

In 2004, she became a third grade teacher at McBride Elementary School. That same year, she gained her master’s degree in educational administration from MSU.  In 2004, she earned her specialist degree in educational administration from MSU. She then became an assistant principal at Wanda Gray and Disney Elementary School in 2006. 

“I enjoyed my graduate work at MSU and felt like the programs prepared me well as an elementary administrator,” she said. “We learned about many real-life scenarios that a principal might encounter and talked through ideas.” 

Three years later, she became principal at Wanda Gray. 

“It was a natural, smooth transition to principal,” Carder said. “We have a very strong culture and climate in our building. We also have a very supportive community.”  

Carder has continued to support Missouri State as principal. She has been a key leader in building a strong partnership between Wanda Gray and Missouri State University’s Internship Academy (IA), a yearlong, immersive co-teaching program that prepares future educators through hands-on experience.  

Thanks to her support, IA interns at Wanda Gray are fully integrated into the school community through daily planning, instruction and collaboration. Her dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive environment ensures that both interns and students benefit from the program. 

A hands-on approach 

SPS announced the award, noting Carder’s connection with her team. 

“She seeks opportunities to serve beyond her own school by mentoring others,” SPS Board of Education stated.  “She builds strong, trusting relationships within her school, the district and the community.” 

Carder’s strength as a principal is her hands-on approach to leadership and activity in her school. She is a mentor principal to a new principal every year and she serves on many committees in her school. 

She also participates in a professional learning community that meets weekly to plan, analyze student data and discuss student interventions.  

Carder’s strategy for administration is being active. 

“I try to be very visible in our school, in the classrooms and hallways,” she said. “I like to be accessible to students and teachers. I enjoy giving positive input and effective feedback.” 

She added it is important to work with teachers in a hands-on way and recognize the impact of their work. 

Carder wants to encourage students who are considering an education career. 

“I wish I could somehow spread the word that this is such a positive, important career,” she said. “As an educator, you impact a student’s future, character and self-esteem. It’s been so rewarding to make a difference in people’s lives, and I’m thankful I’ve had the opportunity.” 

On March 3, MAESP will announce the Missouri winner of the national Distinguished Principal Award. Carder is in the running for the award. 

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