New Principal Tami Olsen feels right at home at Hansen Elementary
By GuestBy Darcie Fisher
Tami Olsen was not one of those students who knew that she wanted to spend her career in a classroom. It wasn’t until she was in college at Salve Regina University that she realized she wanted to teach.
“I knew I always wanted to work with the public,” said Olsen. “I took some initial foundation classes and actually fell in love with the whole idea of teaching.”
Hansen Principal Tami Olsen (back row, center) has enjoyed making connections with staff and students.
Olsen holds a dual certification in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from Bridgewater State University. After 24 years in education, Olsen came to Canton this year as the new principal of the Hansen Elementary School.
Previously, she spent 13 years teaching kindergarten and sixth-grade special education before moving into administration. She served as an elementary assistant principal in Taunton before moving to Norfolk, where she spent two years as principal of the H. Olive Day School.
Last year, Olsen decided to make a move. “I was interviewing and was a finalist in three districts, and Canton was the one I knew the least about, and it was the farthest from my house,” said Olsen. “So, I really wasn’t attached, but I was offered a full day to come in and meet with staff and tour the building. When I left, I called my husband and said, ‘This is where I want to be.’”
She is very happy with her decision and already feels strong ties to the community.
“Our philosophies are the same,” Olsen said of Canton Public Schools. “Walking through the halls and seeing how staff treated children made my heart so happy. We share the same value of teaching the whole child.”
Olsen replaced Paul McKnight, who served as Hansen principal from 2023 to 2025.
Olsen is proud of the programs she’s already brought to Hansen. Every Monday, she sends a video message to students telling them what’s coming up that week and highlighting things they are doing well and areas they should work on. She shares book recommendations and loves to let her three cocker spaniels — Cooper, Bentley and Marlow — make cameos.
“I am big on positive behavioral intervention and support,” said Olsen. “Our ‘Hansen High 5’ program wasn’t fully developed, so we gave it a facelift over the summer. Every month we come up with a theme. This month’s theme is perseverance. Children who are seen persevering receive a gold coin. They also receive the ‘Hansen High 5’ dollar and they write their name on our bulletin board. They are then honored at our all-school meeting each month.”
Tami Olsen and the Canton Bulldog encourage students to ‘be kind.’
Olsen makes it a point to celebrate students’ birthdays by visiting their classrooms and presenting them with a birthday card and special pencil and eraser set.
All of these initiatives are designed to reinforce the overall positive culture at the school. Once a month, the staff is also treated with a “surprise” so they know they are seen and valued for all of their hard work.
“What I love most about being the principal at Hansen is the heart of our community,” said Olsen. “Our staff goes above and beyond to support one another and our families, always keeping student needs at the center of every decision. One of my favorite parts of the day is walking the halls and connecting with students — their smiles truly light up my day! After a successful first year, I’m excited to build on our strong foundation as we head into year two together.”
Parents may have noticed the improvements to the overall flow of drop-off and pick-up and increased security measures that were implemented this year. Olsen has also made an effort to strengthen community connections and cited meeting families and collaborating with the school’s CAPT as other highlights of her first year as principal.
“Principal Olsen has quickly infused great energy and enthusiasm into the culture of Hansen,” said Superintendent Derek Folan. “She prioritized relationships with students, staff and families, and she brings high expectations and positivity to the student experience for each and every child. I also appreciate her strong communication skills and her instructional leadership. She and the staff are elevating Hansen in a strong way.”
Olsen is a newlywed — she and her husband, Rob, were married in November. She also owns her own photography business and has three grown children. She and Rob enjoy visiting new places, camping, and spending time with their dogs.
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