Godfrey-Lee — The walls inside the newly renovated Godfrey Elementary main office are painted a cheerful, pastel purple, a color chosen by new Assistant Principal Colleen Heyboer.
Next door in Principal Joseph Alcaraz’s office, the purple walls display the school logo and his mini refrigerator is fully stocked with snacks.
Transitioning between a half-eaten protein cookie and a container of overnight oats, Alcaraz recently sat down with Heyboer, who was snacking on a container of cheese and meat cubes. The two offered to share their food as they talked about taking the reins at Godfrey.
Their offices serve as a home base for meetings and snacking, but both educators strive to be out in the hallways, classroom and lunch room as often as possible.
Breaking Cycles, Earning Degrees
The two educators are new to the district, but traveled different paths to find themselves in the same building.
A mid-Michigan native, Alcaraz’s roots grew from St. Johns Public Schools to eventually serve schools in Lowell, Massachusetts.
“I grew up as one of 15 in a migrant family,” he said. “In my family, you finished high school, got married and had kids; you didn’t go to college — but I wanted to change the cycle I was born into.”
A first-generation college student and self-identified “history buff,” Alcaraz completed his bachelor’s degree in elementary education, while taking every history class available — including “history of bowling” — at Michigan State University.
He later completed his master’s in educational leadership and administration at Central Michigan University and a doctorate in curriculum instruction and professional development from Walden University.
Over the past ten years, Alcaraz held several leadership roles at Hamadeh Educational Services in Dearborn, Michigan; Universal Learning Academy in Westland, Michigan; and most recently in Lowell Public Schools in Massachusetts.
“When I taught third grade in Detroit, I was paired with ineffective teachers,” he said. “I knew I wanted to become an agent for change and coach teachers in their craft.”
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Heyboer grew up attending Grand Rapids Public Schools, where her mom and best friend, Janette Ney, worked as a paraprofessional.
After attending Grand Valley State University, Heyboer’s first job was teaching math and science at Burton Middle School, alongside her class ”roommate” Peter, the rabbit.
Heyboer then taught middle and elementary science in Northview Public Schools and middle school math in TriCounty Area Schools, where she also completed an administration internship.
“My internship was an opportunity to gain experience,” she said, “and I realized (being an assistant principal) was what I wanted to do.”
Leading By Example, Together
When asked to describe his leadership style, Alcaraz said, “Very collaborative and approachable.”
“I believe in leading by example and humbling myself,” he said. “I like to give teachers a voice and meet them where they’re at — always get their input and empower people to make decisions, and I will trust their judgment.”
The principal said he also tries to high-five every kid he passes in the hallways and build connections with them every day.
Alcaraz said he “won the lottery” by having Heyboer as his assistant principal, whose positivity he describes as “Richard Simmons, wrapped in Barney wrapped in Santa Claus.”
Outside of school, both administrators are very family-focused.
Heyboer enjoys exercising, biking, kayaking and camping with her husband, two kids and two dogs.
Alcaraz now shares a home state with his son and two grandsons. He can be found exploring his new city, doing his morning stretches with his dog or in pawn shops searching for new watches to add to his collection.
“I always wear a watch, but they’re never set to the right time, or even charged,” he said. “They’re just for fashion.”
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