Special education administrator receives distinguished award in her field

By Andrea Busche

Working in the field of education — and, more specifically, special education — can be a highly rewarding endeavor, but it also comes with plenty of challenges. Thus, it is often said that many in the profession feel a unique calling toward their work.

This is definitely true for Duluth’s Dena Hagen, who first felt the pull toward teaching at a young age. A variety of life experiences helped define her goals even further; she eventually pursued work in special education and currently works as an administrator.

“I decided I wanted to be a teacher back in third grade,” Hagen said. “I was inspired by my third grade teacher (at Piedmont Elementary), Jude Ling.

“And I’ve always been drawn to working with kids with disabilities,” she added. “Back in kindergarten, I knew a lot of sign language from watching ‘Sesame Street.’ My kindergarten teacher asked me to pair up with two deaf classmates and assist them with classroom activities. That experience was really helpful in deciding to become a special education teacher.”

Award

Recently, Hagen, who is currently the director of special education at Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative, based in Esko, was recognized with a unique honor: She is the recipient of the 2022 New Special Education Leader Award.

Hagen received this award for her commitment to students with disabilities and their families, along with her active involvement in professional and community affairs. She was honored at a statewide recognition ceremony during the MASA/MASE (Minnesota Association of School Administrators/Minnesota Administrators for Special Education) Spring Conference, which was held March 10-11.

Hagen was nominated for the award by a colleague and peer, Erin Toninato, who works as the special education director for the South Central Service Cooperative. In her nomination, Toninato said, “I have had the opportunity to work with Dena through the Low Incidence Project and the MASE board of directors. Dena is absolutely deserving of this award as she demonstrates a high level of professionalism, willingness to help others, and leadership. She is an exceptional addition to every organization, and is always thoughtful in her service to students."

Hagen was deeply touched — both by Toninato’s lovely nomination, and in winning the award.

“When I look at the list of past recipients, I’m absolutely honored to be included,” she said.

Education and career

Hagen grew up in Duluth. Her dad was a carpenter, and her mom stayed at home while Hagen and her brother were young children.

After graduating from Denfeld High School in 1996, Hagen enrolled at the College of St. Scholastica, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She intended to be a regular classroom teacher, but life had other plans.

“After I graduated from CSS, I tried right away to get a teaching job, but there weren’t a lot of jobs available at that time,” she said. “So, I ended up starting to sub.”

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For several years, Hagen split her time between work as a substitute teacher and teaching at Sylvan Learning Center, where she was often paired with adult students with disabilities.

Hagen was hired part time in special education for the Duluth Public School District in 2006, and worked in a variety of part-time and full-time roles at several Duluth schools until 2014. She continued advancing her education the entire time; she earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2009, and a director of special education certification/licensure from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2015.

For the 2014-2015 school year, Hagen was promoted to assistant director of special education for the Duluth Public Schools. She was promoted to her current role in the 2015-2016 school year.

Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative

The Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative consists of 12 “member” school districts, and provides special education services to students from birth to age 21 within these districts, which include: Lake Superior, Carlton, Wrenshall, Cromwell, McGregor, Barnum, Moose Lake, Proctor, Hermantown, Cloquet, Esko and Willow River. The cooperative provides the full gamut of special education services, including those for students with hearing and visual impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities and many more.

In her role as director, Hagen directs the work of 27 staff members, and helps match special education service needs to the services available. She also ensures compliance with all Department of Education requirements.

Hagen was also instrumental in creating the affiliated Northern Lights Academy, where she serves as superintendent. The academy is currently spaced out within three different buildings, and Hagen has dreams of securing funding for a new, separate facility someday.

Other affiliations

Hagen continues to serve her profession in a variety of ways. She is the past tournament director and former board member of the Duluth Girls Hockey Association. She has also served as a volunteer for East Select Soccer.

Currently, she serves on the Quality Control Subcommittee for the Minnesota Autism Center, and the Advisory Board for Capella University. She also remains a MASE board member, and also serves on MASE’s executive board.

Private life

Hagen and her husband, Jeremy, who works for Canadian National Railway, have two children, Addy, 18, and Jackson, 17. The family also has a cat named Lucky. The Hagens live in Normanna Township on a 10-acre property. When she has a bit of downtime, Hagen enjoys gardening, traveling, camping, crafting, thrifting and antiques.

Looking ahead, Hagen maintains plenty of ambitious goals for herself.

“I really want to get a facility built for Northern Lights Academy. I also have aspirations to work at the university level in a teacher prep program for special education. And I’d like to eventually go back for my doctorate,” she said.

Future teachers

Hagen offered some words of wisdom for future educators: “It is really hard work, but I’d never discourage anyone from going into the field,” she said, noting that her daughter Addy plans to become a teacher, too.

“We need good public educators, and people who will do what’s best for kids,” Hagen added. “I’d also advise future educators to find a good, supportive network. I know I couldn’t do this job without the support of my colleagues.” D