Meet the Principals

Issac Bjerk, Principal

Hello, and welcome to the 2023-24 school year! Whether you’re a returning family or joining our Spoede community this year, we are so happy to have you as part of our greater Spoede family. I think you’ll find that Spoede is a pretty incredible place filled with incredible people.

I am incredibly honored and thrilled to be the incoming principal of Spoede Elementary School. In my previous fifteen years of education, I’ve worked as an assistant principal, a K-12 district facilitator, and an elementary classroom teacher. I actually began my educational career right here, teaching fourth grade at Spoede Elementary. This school and this district mean the world to me, and I consider it a privilege to work with and for you and your family for the duration of your child’s elementary experience at Spoede. 

This school year, in particular, holds tremendous promise and potential as we move fully into our brand-new building. I’m excited for our students to explore their new spaces, and I look forward to welcoming you and your families into our space over the course of this school year. Beyond our building, my highest priority is to meet and build meaningful, collaborative relationships with our Spoede community. At Spoede, we’re a family, and my goal is to make this school year one of discovery, growth, and joy as we learn and work together. I firmly believe that what we get to do together - partnering in the teaching, learning, and growth of our students - is the very best work there is. 

As we move into and through this school year, please don’t hesitate to reach out and connect if there’s anything I can do for you and your family. Real, positive relationships are the essence of what I do and why I do it, and I can’t wait to meet and form those relationships with each of you. 

Taylor Koenig, Assistant Principal

Taylor Koenig brings eight years of experience in education to Spoede Elementary, and she will utilize her relationship-building skills to foster strong connections with students, families, staff, and community members to support learning as an assistant principal.

Koenig earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Maryville. Her quick rise to leadership can be attributed to her communication and collaboration skills, and her organizational skills will be an asset to the Spoede Elementary School community alongside Mr. Bjerk.