Backstrom ready to jump into new position at Midtown Elementary

MADISON – Michelle Backstrom knows that helping lead a school is never the same from one day to the next. As MAAP at Midtown Elementary School, Backstrom is prepared to jump in wherever needed and support the staff, students and families however she can.

Backstrom will work as MAAP educator in the Madison Aspiring Administrators’ Program.

“Being an administrator wasn’t always on my radar. I’ve always loved the classroom, teaching and building relationships with students and parents — that has always been my passion,” Backstrom said. “Over time, I learned how much impact that leaders can have when they collaborate with teachers, build their capacity and skills and work alongside students and parents to support growth across a school building.”

That experience attracted Backstrom. Two special mentors in her life, David Kross and Tony Willis, encouraged her to pursue school leadership.

That path moved quickly for Backstrom. She became an instructional coach and then an assistant principal in Decatur City Schools, “which will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“My family and I recently moved to Madison. We knew this was where we wanted to plant roots,” Backstrom said. “We have already started building relationships in our community, and I’ve met several of my Midtown students. Being part of this school system is truly a dream come true; everyone at MCS has already made me feel like family.”

Having heard many positive comments about MAAP, Backstrom realized the wonderful opportunity to continue growing as a leader while preparing to serve eventually as a principal. “Being a MAAP gives me the chance to learn behind the scenes of running a successful school while being prepared with high levels of support,” she said.

“Getting to learn alongside Ms. Savannah Demeester, Dr. Lauren Cecil and the entire Midtown team is truly the icing on the cake,” Backstrom said. “They have welcomed me with open arms; I couldn’t be more excited.”

As Midtown’s MAAP, Backstrom will discuss 504 plans and Speech Individualized Education Programs or IEPs with parents. She will partner with Midtown’s different teams to help maintain consistency, lead attendance meetings, keep parents informed, assist with office referrals, support the Response to Intervention or RTI process and other responsibilities.

Over the years, Backstrom’s educational philosophy has grown and changed. “When you build strong relationships with students while also holding them to high expectations, they usually rise to the occasion,” she said. “I’ve seen students accomplish incredible things when they know someone believes in them.”

“As a leader, I want every student to know they are capable of success. (For) discipline, I believe in being fair, consistent and following board policies. Those policies exist to protect students, teachers and administrators while helping guide difficult decisions,” Backstrom said.

She also strives to remove emotion from decision- making for the fairest outcome for every student.

Backstrom earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of North Alabama and a master’s degree in instructional leadership from the University of West Alabama.

Her husband, Dr. Ian Backstrom, is an ER physician with Vanderbilt. “We’re a blended family and have three children and are expecting a little girl in December,” Mi- chelle said. “Our children are Ben, 12, who will start seventh grade; Holland, 10, starting fifth grade; and Everett, 4, continuing in pre-kindergarten.”

“I’ve run three half-marathons and have an orange belt in karate . . . pretty funny if you know me! I’m a professional, but I’m also a kid at heart. I love to laugh, have fun and enjoy life,” Michelle said.

The Backstroms are fitness enthusiasts. She attends Burn Boot Camp; he’s a CrossFit coach. “But I won’t lie — a good nap is pretty high on the list, too!”

Michelle also enjoys event/party planning and hosting. “Anything (associated) with logistics, fun and serving others is my cup of tea. If you give balloons to this educator, she will build an arch!” she said.