Caledonia — Emmons Lake Elementary’s new principal, Nathan Walters, is passionate about education, but said his teachers and staff members are the “most passionate servant leaders.”
“They show up every day and give endless amounts of love to our students, work long hours every week and ensure all of our students are being met where they are at,” he said.
Looking ahead to his first year as an administrator, Walters said leading such a committed team will push him to grow into a better leader. SNN gets to know him better in this edition of Meet Your Administrators.
Other positions you have held in education:
- Fifth-grade teacher, Bowen and Discovery Elementary Schools, Kentwood Public Schools
- Dean of students, Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center
Education/degrees:
- Bachelor’s degree, elementary education, Calvin University (formerly Calvin College)
- Master’s degree, educational leadership, Calvin University
What would you like to share about your family? Walters grew up in Holland, Michigan, where his dad worked as a police officer before retiring and his mom worked at their family’s church. He is the oldest of three very close and connected siblings.
“My brother, Ryan, is an engineer who just recently moved back to the Grand Rapids area, while my sister, Karis, recently got married and moved to Ohio to serve as a special education teacher. Despite our different vocations and locations, we try our best to stay connected and supportive of one another.”
What are some of your hobbies or interests? The majority involve athletics — especially during football season.
“Fall is my favorite season, as I love to follow University of Michigan football and the Detroit Lions. Lots of winning football last year.”
Following football season, Walters enjoys playing indoor basketball and skiing. During the warmer months, he stays active by running, playing volleyball and golfing.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your students? Walters said his students have taught him to practice gratitude and find joy in all circumstances.
“Our students are such a gift and the perspective and outlook on life they share gives endless amounts of hope for what our future holds. … They are so resilient and no matter what obstacles they are working to overcome they always are able to share a smile, a laugh, an encouraging word and make someone else’s day better.”
How will you encourage student voice at Emmons Lake? “I want our students to take pride in Emmons Lake and recognize it as their building, in addition to the principal and staff’s building.”
One way Walters has been encouraging students to use their voice is during school-wide assemblies and student-led daily announcement videos, highlighting good news and students’ achievements.
Describe your leadership style in seven words or less: “Empowering team excellence through connection and service.”
What is something you’re looking forward to about joining your new school’s community? Walters said the strong sense of community at Emmons Lake and in the district as a whole is “really special” to him.
“All stakeholders have a voice, everyone belongs, and everyone works to promote the success of the whole. We get the opportunity to belong to something bigger than ourselves and to do life together as a school family.”
What kind of kid were you in elementary school? “I was for sure a sports kid. I would be playing basketball, football or soccer daily during recess in elementary school. This then turned into getting to school early for basketball workouts and drills in middle school and high school. The ‘hoop dreams’ were real.”
If you could go back in time, which grade would you choose to return to, and why? “Senior year of high school. I had a great group of friends, was very active in our school community, and had some amazing coaches/mentors speaking life into me over the course of that year.”
Do you consider yourself a dog or cat person? “Dogs! I always wanted one growing up, but we couldn’t convince my parents to say yes. My sister finally convinced them, but not until after my brother and I had moved out.”
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