Hosea assistant principal recognized by state

By Jenna Wilson

A Hosea Elementary School educator received a statewide honor for his leadership and talent in his role.

The 2024 Missouri Outstanding Assistant Principal Award recognizes the critical leadership assistant principals provide to support teaching and learning in Missouri schools.

Hosea Elementary School assistant principal Jacob Kretzer started his teaching career with the St. Joseph School District in 2013, serving in many positions during his time. He taught fourth grade at Humboldt Elementary and has served as a Title 1 reading and math interventionist, a behavior interventionist at Edison Elementary and a district level behavior interventionist.

Currently, he is in his second year as assistant principal at Hosea.

Kretzer said he is honored to receive this award and credits his time spent within the St. Joseph School District for his development and leadership.

“My past experiences have built me up and created strengths that allow me to help students be supportive and give teachers support to support these students and their families,” Kretzer said. “Really, I’ve just leaned into my strengths and working with Mr. (Justin) McCarthy, I think he understands those strengths and he allows me the opportunity to work in those lanes. We all work well together.”

Kretzer highlighted the importance of balance, not just as an administrator but also as an ordinary person.

“Ultimately, at the end of the day, you have to take the necessary time to ensure that you’re in a good place as a person as well because it’s very hard to come into school pouring from an empty cup,” he said. “If I’m not taking care of myself outside of school and setting boundaries for myself, it’s going to show when I walk in these doors.”

One of the many things Kretzer’s office is filled with is letters and drawings he received from students.

Students at Hosea Elementary describe him as more than just a good principal and say he makes coming to school each day exciting.

“He always has a smile on his face and has fun with all of us,” said Lindsey May Sexton, a fifth grader at Hosea Elementary. “He always makes sure that everyone turns out happy before they go back to class. One time I was scared because I broke my computer and he calmed me down and made me happy again.”

Another fifth grader at Hosea Elementary, Gavin Kirschner, appreciates Kretzer so much he honored him for his award by dressing as him at school on Thursday.

“He’s funny and kind,” Kirschner said. “Mr. Kretzer deserved this award and I’m glad we get to be around him every day.”

Kretzer said the role of an assistant principal isn’t always easy, but it brings him joy to serve and support the staff, students and families at Hosea.

“Sometimes we just need adults who can be consistent and connect with some of our students,” he said. “We just simply need the resources of people being here to be a part of the things that we’re doing each day including the parents. We need the community to be involved with our children.”