Lindbergh Schools has hired Mike Straatmann as administrative intern of Truman Middle School for the 2012-2013 school year to work alongside Principal Jennifer Tiller.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Lindbergh family,” Straatmann stated in a district news release. “I look forward to collaborating with the students, parents and staff at Truman Middle School while continuing to promote the tradition of academic excellence.”

Straatmann began his career teaching special education students in Lindbergh elementary schools, before moving to a teaching position at Sperreng Middle School in 2003. He later served as Sperreng’s Special Education Department chair.

Straatmann earned his bachelor of science degree in cross-categorical special education from Avila College in Kansas City, and his master of science degree in educational administration from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar.

He currently is the Special School District area coordinator in Lindbergh for secondary schools. In that position, Straatmann supervises more than 50 staff members, including teachers, para-professionals and school psychologists.

He provides instructional leadership for teachers in grades six to 12 and helps plan Individualized Education Plans for students. He also served on Lindbergh’s middle school redesign committee, which successfully transitioned Sperreng to two middle schools in last fall.

Straatmann will take the place of Todd Morgan, who was recently named principal of Kennerly Elementary School.