Kelloggsville — Casey Wearing was drawn to West Michigan for college, and after graduating from Aquinas College, it became his permanent home.
Inspired by his high-school history teacher to go into education, the new principal at West Kelloggsville shared that it was during his college years he discovered a passion for elementary education and set a goal of one day leading a school.
“When they asked during the interview where you wanted to be in five years, I said, ‘here, leading a building, being the principal,’” Wearing recalled. “It’s what I have wanted to do.”
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree, Spanish and history major with an emphasis on elementary education, Aquinas College.
- Master’s degree, educational leadership, Grand Valley State University
Wearing said his wife, Jacqueline, whom he met while on a study-abroad trip to Salamanca, Spain, encouraged him to pursue a master’s degree. Jacqueline became an English Learner teacher.
Other positions you have held in education (title, school, district, state):
- Assistant principal, Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Third- and fourth-grade Spanish immersion and specials teacher, West Ottawa Public Schools
- Teacher, summer migrant program.
How about jobs outside education? “My most memorable experience was working for Qdoba during my college years. I’m still convinced that no one can make better guacamole than me. I won’t reveal all of my secrets, but definitely don’t forget the lime juice.
“I have also worked for the department of public works in the cities of Mount Clemens and Imlay City, on the east side of the state. At the DPW, I would do everything from replacing water meters to mowing lawns to organizing 5K runs.”
What drew you to Kelloggsville? Multiple factors, he said. “I like that it is a small district that is very well-organized, and has great leadership. Even though there isn’t really a ‘downtown Kelloggsville,’ it feels very ‘small town,’ which is similar to where I grew up in Almont, Michigan. Everyone seems to know everyone within the district, and those relationships are rooted in the schools. The staff members take care of each other, and Kelloggsville takes care of them.
“Everyone I have met here shares the same values that I have in regards to educating our little Rockets. I’m proud and lucky to be the new principal at West Kelloggsville Elementary.”
Why did you want to become an administrator? “In my years of being a student, a teacher, and eventually an administrator, I’ve observed and worked with many principals. Some, I felt, did it the wrong way, some did it the right way, and there was a whole lot of in-between. At this point, I believe that I have a good sense of what makes a school building function smoothly, grow, meet its ‘ceiling’ and maybe even break right through that ceiling.
“I recognize that strong, motivated teachers are what make the difference, and leadership is important, too. Observing one of my favorite principals, Jens Milobinski from West Ottawa, helped me to realize that there are many ingredients to a strong school community — that includes having high expectations, organization and consistency, and being extraordinarily kind to staff, families and students, all while having fun.”
Name three great things about going into K-12 education: “Getting those hugs and sharing tears with students on the last day of school is always the most bittersweet part of the job, and makes you realize that all the hard work you put in during the school year was worth it.
“Kids are always the catalysts for change and for cultural trends — they always seem to know what new technology, lingo, etc. is going on in the world. In short, they keep me young. Or at least keep me feeling that way.
“Another great thing is that feeling after the very first day of school: It’s exhaustion. It’s relief. It’s excitement. Going into the first day, there is always a lot of preparation as well as an element of anxiety, not entirely knowing what to expect. Once it’s over, that’s when you’re ready to put the scrubs on, dive in, and put in the real work.”
How will you encourage student voice in your building? “Student voice is so important, especially in a building that has a significant English Learner population. On my end, I’ll be having constant conversations with the students throughout the day. This helps them to know that they are loved and part of our team. We plan to regularly schedule morning circles and circles after other student transitions, such as recess, specials, etc. Also, creating opportunities for academic student talk during all subject areas is very important to me.”
Read more from Kelloggsville:
• Second-graders take on leadership roles as reading ambassadors
• Alum returns to inspire next generations
