Kent ISD — It was during his second interview for Kent ISD’s adult education director position that Gerry Verwey said he knew he was in the right place.
“They had me visit one of the classrooms, and just seeing the energy and passion of the teacher and the desire of the students who wanted to be there, I knew I had made the right decision to apply,” he recalled.
It did not take long for Kent ISD officials to decide Verway should be the organization’s next adult education director. He received an offer and accepted it just hours after that interview.
Previously, as the principal of MySchool@Kent for three years, Verwey “made a tremendous impact on that program,” said Sue Gardner, Kent ISD assistant superintendent of career and talent development, which oversees the adult education program. “We are excited about this opportunity for Gerry and for his career at Kent ISD, and look forward to seeing his contributions in this important role to the adult ed program.”
‘I loved the students and staff at MySchool@Kent, but I knew I had to follow my instincts which led me to a diversion in my career.’
— Adult Education Director Gerry Verwey
Kent ISD Superintendent Ron Gorman echoed Gardner, and called Verwey “an incredibly talented educator who is supportive of students, staff and families.”
Returning to Where He Started: Adult Ed
Looking back on his 22-year career — about 11 of those at Kent ISD — Verwey said it has been anything but “a straight line.”
He started teaching health classes at Fruitport’s adult ed program while also serving as a full-time teaching substitute in Muskegon.
“I never thought I would come back to adult ed,” said Verway with a laugh.
In 2005, he joined the Cedar Springs Public Schools as a teacher and coach for the district’s Creative Technology Academy. He was there for eight years before coming to Kent ISD as a teacher for the former Kent Innovation High, and later was named KIH’s principal.
A year later, he was serving as principal for both the KIH and MySchool@Kent programs. After KIH closed in 2023, Verwey added the role of administrator for Launch U, Kent ISD’s early college program.
Because of his path, Verwey said he feels like he always has had more connections to non-traditional — as in, adult — learners.
Even his own education has been nontraditional, Verwey said, adding that he has an administration certificate from the Michigan Association of School Boards and is working on a master’s in educational leadership.
During his tenure with MySchool@Kent, Verwey helped the program grow, established a positive behavioral interventions and supports program and worked on the remodeling plans of the former KIH space for the MySchool@Kent and Launch U programs.
Doubling Back On The Path
Because of his connections with students and staff and also because he felt he had a rhythm at MySchool@Kent, Verwey said he had no intention of changing positions.
“This past summer, the winds of change for me started to blow in a different direction,” Verwey said. “I loved the students and staff at MySchool@Kent but I knew I had to follow my instincts, which led me to a diversion in my career.”
When Kent ISD announced the adult ed director position was open, Verwey said he started doing research, reviewing the Kent ISD adult ed website and watching the informational videos.
“I was just impressed with the services that the program provides in helping our adults become better,” Verwey said, noting that a large portion of adult ed classes are for English language learners and those looking to earn a high school diploma. “They provide many examples of people changing their lives and overcoming challenges.”
Since taking over the director position in September, Verwey said he has been learning all he can about adult ed, visiting Kent ISD’s new Grand Rapids Community College location and working to hire staff for the location at Kentwood’s Crossroads Alternative High School, set to open this fall.
He also knows, as with MySchool@Kent, he eventually will find his stride at Kent ISD Adult Education.
“I’m like you,” Verwey recently told a class of adult ed ELL students. “I am learning as much as I can so that eventually I will be able to be another resource for you and help you on your journey.”
Read more from Kent ISD:
• Early career shift a win for this educator, those she serves
• Kent ISD’s new superintendent plans to keep the ‘good momentum’ going
