02.b SamDiVita-Watershed Application CMSCWDWashington County, MN Boards & Commissions
Date Submi ed: Jan 16 2026
Applicant: Mr. Sam DiVita Email:
Pronoun:District: District 1
Address: Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
Primary Phone: Alternate Phone:
Is the address above your home mailing address? Yes
If the address above is not your home address, what is the address for?
Are you eligible to vote in Washington County, MN? Yes
Which Boards would you like to apply for:
Watershed Districts
Please list the experience or skills you have related to the appointment you are seeking:
Saint Paul Public Schools 2005-current English as a Second Language teacher, Como Park Senior High School,
2022 - current Designed, developed and taught curriculum for Language through Geography, Language
through Social Studies, and Language and Literacy courses to students in grades 9-10, levels 1 and 1.5
Supported World History and U.S. History curriculum for 9th and 11th grade ELs Department Chair, 2023 -
current Peer Assistance and Review Educator (PAR), Saint Paul Public Schools - Office of Teaching and
Learning, 2019 - 2022 Through coaching, collabora ng, and consul ng, supported the professional growth of
second and third year proba onary educators with a focus on culturally relevant and equitable instruc onal
prac ces Developed and facilitated professional development for team members and teachers on caseload
Gathered and analyzed teaching and learning data with educators to improve learner outcomes Connected
educators to district and other professional resources to promote differen ated instruc on English as a
Second Language teacher, Linwood Monroe Arts Plus - Upper Campus, 2018 - 2019 English as a Second
Language teacher, LEAP High School, 2005-2008, 2009-2018 Designed, developed and taught curriculum for
reading, wri ng and speaking & listening courses to students in grades 9-12, levels 1-4 Ini ated all-school
programming to support and recognize student achievement as a member of the Posi ve Behavioral
Interven on and Supports Commi ee Represented the English Learner department as the English Learner
Department chair and member of the Leadership Team Developed programming, school-wide event
protocols and ac vi es, and community partnerships as chair of LEAP Spirit Commi ee and chair of Annual
Culture Party Facilitated increased communica on and family par cipa on in school programming, as chair
of Parent-Teacher Conference Commi ee and chair of LEAP Site Council Hosted ESL student teachers from St.
Thomas University, Hamline University, University of Northwestern and St. Olaf College Ini ated year round
enrichment opportuni es focused on physical and emo onal health and college and career readiness as
YMCA Achievers liaison and YMCA Bold/Gold liaison English as a Second Language teacher, Farnsworth
Aerospace Magnet, 2008-2009 University of St. Thomas 2018-2019 Adjunct faculty, School of Educa on
MinneTESOL (Minnesota Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) 2015-current President
Advocated for and developed rela onships with Minnesota legislators in support of English Learners across
Minnesota through TESOL Advocacy and Policy Summit in Washington D.C. as member/President Revised
bylaws, supported membership YMCA Family Camp Community Advisory Board - Camp du Nord and Camp
Northern Lights 2013-current Board Chair Camp Northern Lights, spring 2024 - current Commi ee Chair,
2013 - 2024 As Outreach and Inclusion Commi ee chair and volunteer, led a group of volunteers to develop,
organize and implement a variety of opportuni es and ini a ves for new diverse families, currently
underrepresented in YMCA family camp programming, to access outdoor and wilderness experiences
Ini a ves centered on social responsibility have increased the number of families of color par cipa ng in
family camp and has expanded partnerships with local community organiza ons, such as the Cultural
Wellness Center in St. Paul and Minneapolis As Community Advisory Board member, promoted educa onal
experiences to increase awareness of the diversity within the Twin Ci es for board members and staff from
all area overnight camps with a focus on equity and inclusion, facilitated outreach events with local
organiza ons to highlight wilderness experiences for families, and fundraised to support scholarships
Please list special or personal interests rela ng to the appointment you are seeking.
Environmental and Natural Resources Interests - Water conserva on and quality: A strong commitment to
protec ng and improving water quality in our local bodies of water, including lakes, streams, and
groundwater within our watershed Ecosystem Health: Interest in preserving and restoring natural habitats
for wildlife, promo ng biodiversity, and ensuring the health of the overall watershed ecosystem Outdoor
Ac vi es: A general interest in spending me outdoors and engaging with nature through many different
ac vi es Sustainability: An interest in promo ng and implemen ng sustainable land use within our
watershed to minimize any nega ve environmental impact Community Interests - Community Engagement:
A strong desire to work with and educate local residents, landowners, and community groups on water
conserva on and environmental stewardship in order to benefit our watershed Public Service: The idea of
contribu ng to something for the benefit and welfare of our community Collabora on: Working effec vely
with diverse stakeholders within our watershed and developing partnerships that promote best prac ces and
the health of the environment
Why do you want this appointment?
My name is Sam DiVita and I am currently a resident of Scandia, Minnesota. I am interested in the Carnelian -
Marine - St. Croix Watershed District Board Manager posi on because I care deeply about the water quality
in my community. Within my work as a public school educator, professional organiza on leader, and
community volunteer, I have direct experience opera ng within regulatory boundaries while communica ng
with a variety of partners to achieve goals. During my 20 plus years of teaching, along with serving on non-
profit boards and a variety of volunteer posi ons, I have developed strong listening skills, the ability to build
consensus and lead while considering mul ple perspec ves. I believe my skill set would be directly
applicable to the Board Manager posi on and will make me an effec ve steward of the high quality natural
resources that exist within our watershed.
Are you currently serving on any other County Advisory Boards or Commi ees/Commissions?
Have you no fied your local municipality of your interest in seeking appointment as a Watershed
manager?
Yes
Which watershed are you applying to?
Carnelian Marine St. Croix