Adam Groebner, the principal of Saint Therese Catholic School in Deephaven, began his teaching career on mission, just 15 miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border. As an ACE teaching fellow from the University of Notre Dame, Groebner spent two years teaching the humanities to middle school students at Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in Edinburg, Texas. In typical Catholic school fashion, he taught three separate subjects to four different grade levels, coached three sports he had never played, and ran multiple academic clubs.
“I quickly learned that Googling ‘how to play volleyball’ right before practice wasn’t going to cut it,” he laughs.
After moving back to Minnesota, Groebner taught middle school Spanish and sixth-grade religion at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Edina before transitioning to teaching Spanish and coaching swimming at Benilde-St. Margaret’s in St. Louis Park. (He admits he’s much more familiar with swimming!) It was during his time at Our Lady of Grace that Groebner’s potential for leadership was first recognized.
“The principal there had planted the seed that I would be good at administration someday,” he recalls. “It was a simple conversation, but it went deep with me.”
The seed bears fruit
This suggestion led him to apply for the assistant principal position at Our Lady of Grace, a role he began alongside enrolling in the Remick Leadership Program through the Alliance for Catholic Education.
During his tenure as assistant principal, Groebner noticed a need for enhanced marketing and fundraising efforts at the school. Collaborating with the principal and pastor, he helped create the director of advancement role. This experience, he notes, was instrumental in broadening his understanding of the multifaceted demands of school leadership.
“Catholic school principals wear so many hats,” he says. “You need to be the faith leader, the curricular leader, but you also need to fundraise and market. My experience in advancement prepared me to wear that hat well here at Saint Therese.”
In his sixth year as principal at Saint Therese, Groebner emphasizes the importance of relationships.
“One of my strengths is relating well with others,” he shares. “I place high importance on my relationship with teachers and staff, school parents, students and the parish community at large.”
This relational approach helps him “put the puzzle pieces together” to create a cohesive and supportive school environment.
Groebner’s daily interactions with students and staff are a source of joy and energy.
“I love greeting our students at the door,” he says. “The opportunity to welcome them, see them, and make them feel important is so wonderful to me.”
His presence in the lunchroom, where he enjoys “bopping around and checking on the kids,” and his engagement with teachers and students in discussions about faith and leadership are highlights of his day.
“I’m so grateful that this is where God led me. It’s my calling and my passion.”
The world needs Catholic schools
Groebner believes that Catholic schools play a crucial role at this time.
“Catholic schools today provide an oasis,” he asserts. “We provide this incredibly safe and loving space where children can focus on their relationship with God and their relationship with one another. It’s truly countercultural.”
He is dedicated to maintaining this environment where each child’s unique gifts and talents are celebrated and nurtured.
“We need strong Catholic schools now more than ever, which means we need strong Catholic school leaders now more than ever. You can’t have one without the other,” Groebner says.
Reflecting on his journey, Groebner advises those considering a career in Catholic school leadership to actively discern their calling.
“I’d encourage them to pray about it and discern it. Find ways in your current realm to take on leadership roles, to share your leadership gifts with your current team, and see where that leads.”