BRE welcomes a new assistant principal
Robert Thelen (pictured above with his wife, Karissa) presented at the 2019 American Educational Research Association Conference in Toronto, Canada.
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Robert Thelen
Robert Thelen excitedly filled the assistant principal vacancy at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) left when Jen Murdock-Jacoway moved into the role of principal earlier this year. He brings 14 years of educating experience with him, including paraeducator, classroom teacher, coaching literacy instructor and interim dean of students. A well-rounded teacher and leader, Thelen looks forward to lending his voice and experience to the BRE community. “I deeply understand quality classroom instruction and have a solid understanding for the various ways that teacher pedagogies can be shifted to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of every child at BRE,” he stated.
A Colorado native born and raised in Littleton, Thelen was educated in Greeley (University of Northern Colorado – undergraduate in psychology) and Denver (University of Colorado Denver – master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a doctorate of education – Leadership for Educational Equality program).
The Thelen family enjoys being active and outdoors.
He enjoys spending time outside with his family; wife Karissa, son Kaden, daughter Brooklyn and their two dogs. When not at school or with his family, Thelen can be found at CrossFit or staying current on educational research. He presented at the 2019 American Educational Research Association Conference in Toronto, Canada.
Thelen looks forward to investing in and working alongside each member of the BRE community. “The community of Castle Pines and the staff at Buffalo Ridge were the two central forces that drew me to BRE. From my initial interview to my first week on the job, teachers, parents and various stakeholders have been so welcoming and collaborative. I could not have asked for a better place to begin my career in school administration, and I hope to be a Buffalo for years to come.” His investment is personal as well as professional. Thelen’s son Kaden is also joining BRE as a kindergartener this year.
The Thelen family is looking forward to becoming part of the Castle Pines and BRE communities. “I am so excited and humbled to be the new assistant principal at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. From the minute I walked into this building, I knew BRE was a special place, and I am so excited to immerse myself in the Castle Pines community,” he stated.
