April 9, 2024, Steinbach, MB. – The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Thiessen as Superintendent-CEO of the Hanover School Division, effective August 1, 2024.
Joe brings significant leadership experience to his new role, having held administrative and teaching positions in the Hanover School Division for the past 28 years. He has also served as President of the Hanover Council of School Leaders and Chair of the Professional Development Committee for the Hanover Teachers Association. Joe is currently the principal of Mitchell Elementary School, a position he has held since 2004. His classroom teaching experience includes teaching in early, middle, and senior grades. Between 1995 and 2003, Joe held teaching positions at Woodlawn School, Blumenort School, and Niverville Collegiate Institute.
Joe completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Manitoba in 2005 and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education from the University of Manitoba in 2003. He also served as a faculty advisor for the Faculty of Education from 2001 to 2002. Joe completed his Bachelor of Education Degree at Brandon University in 1995.
“As a board, we are very pleased that Joe has accepted this new challenge. He has a lot of administrative and teaching experience within the Division and his deep commitment to community engagement made him an excellent candidate for this position,” stated Board Chair Brad Unger. “Joe has a deep love for education and seeing students thrive. He works really well with staff in all capacities, encouraging growth and leading from the front as a servant leader. He is a man of solid character, and we are excited about his deep desire to lead the Hanover School Division.”
On behalf of the Hanover School Division, the Board of Trustees congratulates Joe on his new position and wishes him all the best for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.