By: Principal Tammy Peterson
Lincoln Elementary Principal
After 31 fulfilling years in the field of education, I am writing to announce my retirement. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Dickinson community for the past 22 years.
I began my journey with Dickinson Public Schools in the fall of 2003 as a school counselor at Roosevelt and Berg Elementary Schools. In 2005, I took on the dual role of K-6 counselor and principal, a position that allowed me to work closely with students, parents, and staff to foster a supportive and enriching educational environment.
The practice of education runs deep in my family roots. Both my great-grandma and grandma were teachers, and they inspired me to follow in their footsteps. My passion to become an educator was sparked in third grade by Mrs. Nancy Mack. From then on, playing school became my favorite childhood activity. I was often the first to raise my hand when extra books were handed out to students—I just couldn’t get enough of learning and library books!
The Dickinson Community and the Dickinson Public Schools hold a very special place in my heart. My educational journey began in our community with Mrs. Haakedahl’s Nursery School and Mrs. Brown’s Kindergarten. Then on to the Dickinson Public Schools attending grades 1–5 at Lincoln Elementary as a “proud Lincoln Lion”, grade 6 at PS Berg Elementary, grades 7 and 8 at AL Hagen Junior High, and finishing at Dickinson High School as a Mighty Midget. It’s been an incredible full-circle experience within this district. In 2005, I was honored to be hired as the principal of Berg Elementary (K-6). In 2009, I led the transition of Berg back to a 6th-grade site. Then, in 2011, I returned to Lincoln Elementary, where I will proudly complete my principalship journey as a “proud Lincoln Lion” once more.
I’ll always remember my elementary school principal, Mr. Norm Jesperson, who played a pivotal role in shaping my view of school as a safe and rewarding place. With just a simple wink, he could ease my anxiety and make me feel secure. Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing; in my first-grade years, my shoes may have left a few marks on his shins! But he never gave up on me and worked to build a relationship based on trust and encouragement. His example left a lasting impression on me and continues to inspire me throughout my own journey in education.
Much like the famous phrase from The Lion King, "the circle of life," I feel both humbled and honored that my path in education has come full circle. My journey began at Lincoln Elementary at the age of 6, and it will conclude at Lincoln at the age of 57. It’s a reflection of the joy and purpose I’ve found along the way—embracing each challenge and success with a "Hakuna Matata" mindset, knowing every step has led me right where I’m meant to be. Completing this circle isn’t just the end of one chapter; it’s the start of something new and exciting!
I attended Dickinson State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology in 1992. I then pursued a Master of Science in Counseling & Human Resource Development at South Dakota State University in 1994, followed by a Credential of School Administration from the University of Mary in 1996.
My teaching career began as a 4th Grade Teacher at Taylor Richardton Elementary for one year. I then served as a School Counselor at Taylor for a total of five years—two years at Roosevelt Elementary in Dickinson Public Schools and three years in Taylor, New England, and Regent Public Schools.
As an elementary principal, I have served for 28 years: 14 years at Lincoln Elementary, six years at PS Berg Elementary, and eight years at Taylor Richardton Elementary. Among my accomplishments, I was nominated for the National Association for Elementary School Principal Leader in 2022 and received the NDAESP Bell Ringer Award in 1998. Additionally, and most exciting, I received the honor of the 2025 Service to Children award from the North Dakota Association of Elementary Principals! This award is truly the reflection of the compassionate and dedicated staff at Lincoln! Way to go “Team Lincoln”!
As I step into retirement, I hope to “pay it back” by serving as a volunteer in the Dickinson Public Schools and Best Friends Program, and spending time with my beautiful family and future grandchildren and grand puppies.
Due to health challenges, I will be retiring earlier than I had hoped, but I know there is another chapter waiting for me. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues, students, parents, and community members who have supported me throughout my journey in Dickinson Public Schools. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been the cornerstone of my career. I hope that I have brought joy, excitement, and purpose to our school community. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I hope I have made a positive and lasting impact on each of you.
My passion for education and leadership has been the driving force behind my career. It has been an honor to work alongside Dr. Lewton, the administrative cabinet, and the Dickinson Public School Board, whose dedication and vision have greatly contributed to the success of our schools. Their support has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with such inspiring leaders.
Lastly, I would like to share a few words of wisdom: Listen more than you speak, celebrate small wins, stay student-centered, take care of yourself, lead with compassion and courage, and enjoy the journey. Embrace each challenge and success with a "Hakuna Matata" mindset. Thank you for your support and collaboration over the years. I will cherish the memories and the impact we have made together.
Warm regards,
Tammy Peterson-Greenfield