Brian Rosand, the new principal at Cedar Valley Elementary, originally thought he wanted to work in a field related to computers, but in a class at Green River Community College he discovered his love of teaching.

“There was a guy there (at Green River) who was a former kindergarten teacher,” Rosand said. “He would tell me about teaching and I was like, ‘Man, this sounds like something I’m really interested in and probably could be really good at.’ So I went for it.”

Rosand grew up in Des Moines and attended Federal Way schools. He then attended Green River Community College for two years and transferred to Central Washington University where he earned his degree in elementary education.

As a teacher, Rosand worked with second through fifth graders during 12 years in the Federal Way School District, including time teaching students in the district’s gifted and talented program.

Rosand earned his master’s degree in integrated elementary technology and his administration credential from City University.

“I had an inkling for it (administration),” Rosand said. “I can influence my classroom, but as an admin you can influence the whole building and the students there.”

This year is Rosand’s first as an administrator and his vision for the school includes raising student success and focusing on the human element.

“Believing all kids can,” Rosand said of his outlook on education. “Giving them life options — instead of closing doors, opening doors. That’s really where I want the school to go. Having our instruction be intentional and responsive and continuing to build strong relationships with the students, the parents, the community.”

One focus at Cedar Valley this year has been on preparing students and teachers for the Common Core standards that will go into effect in 2014.

“Certain grade levels are receiving a lot of Common Core training right now,” Rosand said. “They’re implementing some of that into the classrooms now.”

Rosand has also implemented a program to recognize students.

Each month the school hosts a student recognition assembly where students are honored for exemplifying that month’s trait or theme. Effort is recognized every month in addition to a secondary theme such as empathy, respect, responsibility, etc.

“The kids here are wonderful,” Rosand said. “These kids rock.”