Traverse City Regional Center Blog
Permanent link for Grace, Not Grit. Starting an Elementary Principal Job During A Pandemic on June 2, 2021
Starting the 2020-2021 school year as the new elementary principal at Glen Lake Community Schools during the pandemic was a challenge that required all of Ryan Schrock’s previous experience and positive go-getter attitude. See how his past experiences and Grand Valley’s Educational Leadership Program prepared him for today’s in-person and virtual learning environment.
Schrock’s educational journey and the desire to further his own education has continually opened opportunities over the years’ time and time again. After finishing his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Schrock taught kindergarten and middle school students in Illinois before he and his wife decided to move their young children back to Michigan. He continued teaching middle school Math and Science at a charter school for a few years when a leadership position presented itself.
Schrock embarked on one of the most difficult but rewarding positions he had been given the opportunity for, starting as the school principal and superintendent for the opening year at a new charter school. The first year served nearly 150 kids and when he left 3 years later in 2013 there were 4 different schools with over 740 students. This set the foundation and desire to continuously challenge himself and fill shoes that many would not or could not fill.
After 3 years at the charter school, Schrock desired to get back to his roots as a math interventionist and instructional coach in Northern Michigan. However, the encouragement and push towards administrative roles followed him. Staff members clearly saw that he was a natural leader with a creative edge putting him above the rest.
After many discussions with his GVSU mentors and professors encouraging him to apply for leadership roles, Schrock found himself as a new elementary principal in Traverse City in the Fall of 2014 where he remained for 3 years. During this time, he led district wide initiatives for healthy school communities. This work included partnering with the VASA ski club, nutrition and wellness policies and education, additional PE classes and recess, reading labs and more.
The staff was ready to try new and exciting things. Schrock states, “I always told my staff - we know we have mandated checklists. Our goal is to always be creatively compliant.”
Schrock could have stayed and retired at his Traverse City elementary school, but once again he came across a challenge that spoke to his heart in the spring of 2017. He walked through another Traverse City school where the principal had left mid-year and the teachers and staff were exhausted. The school had a high staff turnover rate as well as a high free and reduced lunch count. The more Schrock learned and thought about the students and teachers in this building, the more he felt compelled to be part of that school community.
Schrock shared, “This job is never easy, and it’s harder when there isn’t consistency, mission, or vision. I knew we would be diving deep into all of this work given the needs of this elementary school.”
Nonetheless, Schrock knew he wanted to be a part of this school community and offer his passions and whatever skill set that would be useful to students and teachers. Students needed change.
In the Fall of 2017, Schrock started with over 60% brand new staff from turnover and a new challenge of understanding the needs and dynamics of an at-risk (Title I) school with more than 65% of students eligible for free or reduced meals.
During his years with this elementary school, Schrock decided to go back to school to further his education with a concentration in school leadership and administration. GVSU’s Education Specialist Degree allowed for a flexible schedule and provided the tools he needed during this tough transition. Schrock shared that it was a huge time commitment on top of an already stacked schedule, and keeping balanced as an educator kept his focus and lens clear. “Stay sharp by sharpening the saw,” he stated.
Having the GVSU education and community to lean on allowed Schrock to make better and more impactful decisions as a school principal. Within three years, the school did a complete 180 towards success. The school went from averaging over 26 discipline referrals per day to less than 7 per day. There was more celebration on the small victories to boost morale. They figured out a better way to build staff consistency and put systems in place to reduce the turnover rate to an acceptable number. The staff became a staff that was excited to come in early and stay late. The district supported new early release days and additional stipends were given for teachers willing to commit to the student and school. Above all, it was always about putting students first to make sure their needs were met through collaborative teacher routines focusing on supporting students and each other.
When the pandemic hit, Schrock’s staff was in full force and willing to do what it took to make the unprecedented transition as best as possible. Food delivery and pick up was immediately put into place to those that relied on their children receiving them. At home packets were made, virtual protocol was set in motion, and even a 5th grade no contact car parade was put together to honor their graduation to middle school.
Not only did GVSU’s courses prepare Schrock to be a better leader and decision maker; It also prepared him for his transition to an opportunity in Glen Lake as the new Elementary Principal during this pandemic.
The people at GVSU became friends, mentors, and problem solvers. “Relationships are so key,” Schrock replied. The GVSU professors had a major influence on his decision to apply for the Glen Lake position and Glen Lake was going to need him as much as he needed them as Fall of the 2020-2021 school year was approaching quickly with a lot of unknowns.
To prepare for his unprecedented first school year at Glen lake, Schrock worked throughout July and August to plan, learn and figure out as much as possible.
Schrock exclaimed, “the one thing I kept telling teachers - this school year will be all about grace and not grit. What is going to move the needle is allowing teachers to build relationships and be creative.
The first few weeks were challenging for all of us, but with the mindset of receiving the grace to make flexible changes, the entire team began the hard work of planning from both a virtual and in-person learning standpoint.”
Schrock concluded with a profound statement, “This pandemic presents the biggest opportunity for reform in education. Innovation before complacency… it’s go time!”
He also wanted to give thanks to those that have impacted him and supported him all along the way.
“As I look at my career, I wouldn’t be in this without the unwavering support from my wife, Melissa and children, Alek and Oliver. My family comes first every single time.”
Schrock also shared, “There is not one teacher that I don’t appreciate. Every teacher I’ve met along my journey has brought a unique perspective and personality to the classroom. I have learned from every one of them and they deserve the real credit. The professors at GVSU…. they are absolutely dedicated to find the best in us and bring that forward. I could not imagine being successful in my career without the quality of GVSU’s program and people.”
If you’d like to learn more about opportunities to further your education at GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center, simply give us a call and we will help you understand the next steps.
