Schools

District Selects New Shady Lane Principal

Hoffman has taught fourth grade at Shady Lane since 2003, piloting new curriculum and implementing responsive classroom principles. He came to the district right out of college.

Brad Hoffman came out of college right to Shady Lane Elementary School.

Now, he’s moving to the head of the class as principal, pending School Board approval.

Hoffman has taught fourth grade at Shady Lane since 2003, piloting new curriculum and implementing responsive classroom principles. He is a member of the school’s leadership team, is a coach for Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports, and serves as a member of the school’s data team, scheduling committee, technology team and intervention team.

Find out what's happening in Menomonee Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It’s a fantastic school. I really like the direction we’re heading,” he said. “We have a terrific staff.”

For Hoffman, education was an early career choice, and he never wavered. He knew what he wanted to do the rest of his life back in eighth grade in his hometown of Medford, Wis.

Find out what's happening in Menomonee Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I’ve had amazing teachers growing up and the school was always a great place to be,” he said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with kids as I was growing up.”

Hoffman is slated to replace Andy Heinowski, who is retiring this month.

Though Hoffman is the first teacher in his family – he has three siblings, and neither of his parents teaches – education was always a priority.

“It was something that my family had always valued. School was pretty serious. My parents pushed us hard to succeed and get involved in school,” he said. “It was something that was held in high regard in my family.”

Hoffman earned his degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and minored in social studies. He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Marion.

He substitute taught in Menomonee Falls for a semester and was hired. He never left.

Hoffman looks forward to his new role in the principal’s office instead of the classroom.

“I want to focus on our continued success that we’ve had there, continue working to see all kids grow and working with RTI (Response To Interventions) and PBIS and all the things the district and school are doing,” he said.

“I love working with kids every day. I like seeing them grow. I like seeing them excited about new experiences.

Now, Hoffman is excited about a new experience himself.

“I’m really excited to serve Shady Lane and the School District of Menomonee Falls in my new capacity,” he said.
Hoffman lives in Menomonee Falls with his wife. Their oldest son will be a kindergartner at Riverside, and the couple has a 3-year-old and 4-month-old.

The School Board will vote to approve Hoffman’s contract on June 25.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here