What People Are Saying About Bret Anderson
“You are always the first name that pops into my head when someone says anything about a great principal. You’re it. Thank you for all you’ve done for OPS and the students and their families. You’ve touched and changed so many lives in wonderful ways.”
— Susie Buffett (2019)
Sherwood Foundation
“Bret’s training was inspiring and really helped to set the positive tone for the year. It meshed perfectly with the philosophy that we are creating here at Walnut Hill. To hear Bret speak about his experiences and to learn how he applied strategies to real-life situations was not only helpful but left us wanting more. Thank you Bret for sharing your expertise and knowledge with us!”
Nicole Longlee (2022)
Principal of Walnut Hill Elementary
Omaha Public Schools
“We had Bret present and train our staff today on PBIS/MTSS-B and to reinforce effective ways to problem solve with students. He gave our staff strategies they could use right away. Staff walked away with specific steps to follow and ways to continue to grow our positive school culture here at Western Hills Magnet. The staff was excited to have him back a second year to share restorative practices.”
Jeanne Simmons (2021-2022)
Principal Western Hills Magnet Elementary
Omaha Public Schools
“We are so appreciative of your assistance Bret and I hope we can work together in the future.”
-Dr. Andrea Haynes (2021)
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Operations
Westside Community Schools
“Bret has been a tremendous asset to Masters. His knowledge of education, students, parents and relationship building are second to none.”
— Lynette Keyes (2019)
Principal
“I will certainly miss you partner! You are so deserving of opening the next chapter of your professional journey. I’ve worked with you since your days at Indian Hill and have learned so much from you. Much respect!!! You have not only been a mentor to me, but for soooooo many others. Thanks for all that you have done and will continue to do!”
— Christina Warner, Ph.D. (2019)
Staff Development Coordinator, Principal
“Mr. Anderson I would like to thank you for being willing to come to Belvedere. Although I know the school is challenging you have come in ready to take the Bull by the horn. Greatly appreciated! If I can assist in anyway please let me know.”
— Mrs. Salema Stewart-Hunter (2019)
PLMHP, Behavioral Health Advocate
“As the counselor of the school, I have worked with Mr. Anderson closely and have found him to be the epitome of what a great leader is. His vision for the school has been embraced by the staff, parents, and students. He is consistently affirming of staff, parents and students; yet can step in and effectively coach staff, parents and students when the situation necessitates it. He has an open door policy which is inviting and ensures that small problems are resolved before turning into larger ones. The staff, parents and students trust him and truly work as a team.
He is inspirational in the manner in which he manages the school functioning. He is always calm, positive, and organized. This creates a school culture that is safe and confident. His high expectations of appropriate behavior and academic success, backed by a solid foundation of research, have resulted in a respectful school climate and higher test scores each year. He effectively achieves short and long term goals for Wilson Focus School. His expertise is also exhibited in the many requests for his participation opt Omaha Public Schools boards, district-wide school coaching opportunities, and mentoring involvement. He is a recognized outstanding leader in the district.”
— Pam Schiffbauer, Ed. D. (2019)
Wilson Focus Counselor/Former Principal
“You have made such an empowering positive influence on so many people through creating a one of a kind school. I am one of those who are grateful for all that you have taught me. You are best, hands down.”
— Scott Hilger (2019)
Former Teacher, now Assistant Principal
“Hi Bret! You have been instrumental in my development and approach to being a principal. The Gordon book you gifted me was a great resource for me to refer to as I developed my why regarding the principalship. Iv’e never forgotten it! You will be missed but never forgotten!”
— Glenn Mitchell (2019)
Former Teacher, now Principal
“You are a gifted leader. I have so appreciated your creating a climate of trust, risk, innovation and professionalism. With all the pressure of standardized tests, so much of the autonomy has been removed from the classroom teacher, in fear that if given too much latitude, academics will lag. I believe the opposite, that when people are entrusted with a vision, they will bring much energy to bear on the unique issues before them bringing ideas and passion to the workplace. I think you have created that environment here at Wilson-which is swimming against the stream of micromanagement. Thank you!”
— LaRae Schmidt (2019)
Teacher/Library Media Specialist
“I have known Mr. Anderson personally and professionally for nearly 20 years. I met him while I was working for the Omaha Police Department and he was principal at Indian Hill Elementary School. We were administering the Police Athletic League recreation program and I had the opportunity to observe his commitment to his student’s personal growth and development. He also had an excellent relationship with his staff and he was active in the community.
Throughout his 19 years as a Principal, Mr. Anderson has distinguished himself as an administrator and leader, and he has been an exceptional representative of the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) District. He has led the Wilson Focus School since its inception, which has become a model program for the Douglas – Sarpy County Learning Community. He has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues, and he has coached and mentored several current OPS administrators.”
— Thomas H. Warren, Sr. (2017)
President/CEO of Urban League of Nebraska
Former Omaha Chief of Police
“Bret Anderson is one of the finest principals I have had the pleasure of working within my career. He genuinely cares about students and staff. He is highly visible and interacts with both students and staff each day. He knows the students by name and interests. He is always there for staff. It is a joy to work in an environment like Wilson Focus School. He is fantastic!”
— Teacher Comment from District Climate Survey (2017)
“Bret Anderson is a high-quality administrator and educator. He has an incredible working relationship with his impressive teaching staff and is one of the best conflict resolution experts I have seen. We had a particular issue with one of the teacher’s and he helped resolve it very quickly.”
— Parent Comment from District Climate Survey (2017)
“I am elated to tell you that I will be the Principal at Lewis & Clark Elementary in CB next year. It is a small building that will be going into Behavior Support Programs next year. When I look back on my educational journey, you were such a foundation for me. Your passion and desire to constantly improve gave me a solid model to follow. You were and continue to be a Principal that guides with creativity, care and concern for all students. Thank you for being there for me when I began my teaching career. Thank you for believing in me to hire me on after I student taught under you. Thank you for giving me a chance at the counselor position when I had zero experience. Thank you for letting me in and allowing me to support the leadership team while IO was at Indian Hill. Thank you for your support when I married Tim and started my life with him. Thank you for sup[porting me even when I no longer worked under you!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!”
— Teresa Hamilton (2017)
Former Student Teacher, Teacher, Counselor, Principal
“Mr. Anderson is the most effective principal and professional principal I have worked with in my 32 years of teaching.”
— Teacher Comment from District Climate Survey (2016)
“You have grown and mentored so many leaders in this district! You are so knowledgeable, level-headed, and can see the bigger picture. You have always known how to work collaboratively with all building staff, district, and community members. You get things done and don’t rely on what has always been done before. I remember the time at Indian Hill, from the beginning, and watched you turn that place around and build back the trust of the teachers, students and neighborhood.”
— Melissa Schroeder (2014)
Former Teacher, Instructional Facilitator,
Elementary Curriculum Consultant,
now Instructional Research Administrator
“Thank you for allowing your students from Wilson Focus Elementary School to be involved in the City of Omaha’s MLK celebration. Events like this that bring the city together to celebrate our common American heritage are a great example of what makes Omaha a great place to live, work and play. I deeply appreciate your help in making MLK Day a huge success in our city.
As a civic leader who understands the value of a quality
education for every child, I am very proud of the reputation for academic excellence that Wilson Focus Elementary School has earned under your leadership. In particular, I congratulate you and the rest of the Wilson Focus community for your technology program recently being recognized as an Apple Distinguished Program. Once again, thank you for joining us at Omaha’s MLK celebration and for all the hard work that you do to make your school a leader in public education in our great city..”
— Jim Suttle (2013)
Mayor, City of Omaha
“I have worked for the district for over 20 years and have had some amazing principals. Bret Anderson is phenomenal. He should be a model for building learning environments conducive to staff and student needs.”
— Teacher Comment from District Climate Survey (2011)
“Congratulations on your selection to receive the Lorraine Giles Award from the Safety and Health Council of Greater Omaha. I have great respect for all the principals in the Omaha Public Schools, and found them to be universally a hard-working bunch of people. But in that group, it was my experience that no one works longer and harder for the safety of your students than you have. I think this award, while prestigious. Is no more than your just due, and I am sincerely pleased to see that you received it.”
— Mark Sundermeier (2002)
Administrative Services-Omaha Police Department