Thornapple Kellogg — Scott Szczepanek is no stranger to the staff and students at Thornapple Kellogg High School.
Before moving into the main office as assistant principal, he spent 19 years teaching both at the high school and middle school.
“As a former Spanish teacher, it’s nice to be able to talk with students in their native language. As an administrator, it’s also nice to not have to focus on grammar and vocabulary,” he said with a chuckle.
SNN sat down with this educator-turned-building leader in this edition of Meet Your Administrator.
Other positions you have held in education: Szczepanek began his career at TK high school in 2005 coaching varsity wrestling. The following year he was hired to teach Spanish at the middle and high schools. Over the years, Szczepanek taught middle school technology and fitness, and psychology and all levels of Spanish at the high school. In addition to coaching wrestling, he has coached high school JV football, JV golf and still serves as the varsity wrestling coach.
Szczepanek said his personality as a teacher is also greatly influenced by how he coaches sports.
“That’s why I got into education; I can connect with a lot of kids that way. When I started teaching it gave me even more connection to teachers and coaches. I feel like I can talk to other athletes and relate, I’ve even learned to talk with kids in theater arts, because a lot of the mindset and prep stuff is the same.”
Education/degrees: After graduating from Grand Haven High School in 1999, Szczepanek enrolled at Grand Valley State University as a psychology major, but said he felt inspired by mentors in athletics to switch to education, for which he earned a bachelor’s degree.
Why did you want to become an administrator? After 19 years teaching in the classroom, Szczepanek said he saw an opportunity to get a different perspective at the school. Going into the interview process, he recalled, he wanted to work at TKHS no matter what.
“I wasn’t seeking the position; I was seeking to bring value to the building. I knew I already brought value to the classroom.”
As a Spanish teacher, Szczepanek had the opportunity to teach students over the course of their high school experience. He also served as President of the Parent Teacher Association, which helped develop his leadership skills and navigate relationships with staff.
“I really liked seeing students’ growth from their freshman to senior year, and getting to have that broader interaction.”
What would you like to share about your family? Szczepanek and his wife, Lindsey, have three children: Addison, Kenley and Lincoln. Lindsey Szczepanek teaches math at East Kentwood High School, and their children go to school in Jenison. During the summer, the family enjoys camping in Ludington.
Szczepanek spends his free time during the school year following his children’s sports practice schedules and watching his favorite professional Michigan sports teams.
What ideas or strategies will you bring from the classroom to your new administrator role? “No two students come from the same background, even if they’re dealing with similar issues. Forming relationships with students can’t be a transactional thing; they have to know we care. I do benefit from already having relationships with kids from the classroom, and they can vouch for my reputation.”
How would you describe your leadership style? “I’m very people-oriented. I’m always trying to find ways to take things off staffs’ plates. When we all have to roll up our sleeves and do something, I try to make a positive difference with what we’re doing. When it comes to students, it’s ‘relationship first,’ and reminding them that a bad decision isn’t always an indication of their character.”
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