When he took over as principal in 2023, Keith Klein’s vision for Columbia Elementary School was one-third Harvard (rigorous academics,) one-third West Point (structure and order) and one-third Disneyland (tons of fun.)

“It has to do with clarifying and raising expectations in terms of the learning and the structure and order, and getting kids and teachers to believe in themselves,” Klein said. “We want to be about education and learning seriously, doing the right thing at the right time, the right way, the right place, and recognizing that there's a lot of fun in just learning, as well.”

Klein began realizing his vision by setting goals and providing tools to improve students’ reading proficiency and capacity. 

Lisa Robinson, a Jordan School District Administrator of Elementary Schools, is impressed with the improved academic outcomes resulting from Columbia’s empowered teachers.

“Mr. Klein’s focus on student engagement and the science of reading has helped teachers see the power of reaching every learner,” Robinson said.

Klein also encourages the joy of learning and supports teachers as they creatively engage students.

“We try to have as much fun-and build relationships through that fun stuff-as we can,” Klein said.

When Klein noticed many students playing soccer at recess, he saw an opportunity to improve their experience by procuring goal nets for the school playgrounds.

Second grade teacher Abbey Knight said Klein’s leadership style is consistent and effective.

“He's improved the feel of our school with his consistently no-nonsense approach to student behaviors and discipline,” Knight said. “When Mr. Klein sets out an expectation for our students he stands by it.”

Columbia staff members use a data-driven positive behavior intervention system and a collaborative social emotional learning program to equip students with the tools they need to succeed. 

“We build things in where kids can earn things because of positive behavior, but it also does a great job of clarifying those expectations about when, where and how,” Klein said. “And then we try to reinforce when students are doing what they're supposed to.”

The positive changes Klein has made at Columbia Elementary were recognized when he received this year’s JAESP School Improvement Leader of the Year Award.

“Keith Klein joined Jordan School District two years ago, bringing over 20 years of experience as an elementary and secondary school administrator,” Robinson said. “In that short time, his dedication, innovation and unwavering commitment to the school community have led to remarkable growth and improvement.”

Heartland Elementary Principal Buddy Alger admires Klein’s “unwavering commitment to school improvement.”

“Keith is a leader who has a clear vision of what he wants for children and educators, and he works tirelessly to make that happen,” Alger said. “His whole heart is committed to helping kids learn and grow.”

Before he accepted the job at Columbia Elementary, Klein met individually with all 60 staff members and with a group of fifth and sixth graders to get feedback about the school and discuss possible improvements. 

In response to feedback, Klein added an afterschool chess club, and rebooted programs offered to community members by the school’s Family Learning Center. He prioritized attracting and retaining good teachers by incentivizing them with stipends for taking steps to improve their teaching practices. He also made changes to improve teacher clarity and teacher and student beliefs.

“If teachers understand what they're doing and why they're doing it, and then students do the same, we're much more likely to hit the mark,” Klein said.

Because they feel supported, more teachers are remaining at Columbia this year.

“Mr. Klein values our expertise and recognizes that we are the ones on the 'front line' of the classroom,” Knight said. “That is an invaluable trait to have as an administrator, and one of Mr. Klein's best.”

Third grade teacher Angela Drope said Klein makes thoughtful changes based on feedback and data, and that his vision for a fun, consistent and challenging learning environment “has set Columbia on a path for great success.”

“Mr. Klein came to our school with high expectations. I believe we (students and faculty) all rose to the occasion,” she said. “It is Mr. Klein's personality, expectations, reflectiveness and willingness to do what is best for everyone that has improved retention.”

Klein will continue to make improvements.

“I think a lot of that goes back to that collective vision, because that's something that has to be in place before you can really take strides forward,” Klein said. “So some of that improvement maybe isn't numerical or quantitative, but it's more the look and the feel of the building, and some of the esprit de corps that we're building that's a prerequisite to some of those other things coming together.” λ