Teresa Weatherall Neal
Superintendent, Grand Rapids Public Schools Grand Rapids, Michigan
A GRAND LEADER
FOR EDUCATION
By Donald James
When Teresa Weatherall Neal was named superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) in July, 2012, after serving as interim superintendent for more than six months, an air of excitement was exuded amid the stakeholders of Michigan’s fourth largest school district. The excitement was in anticipation of a new era in public education, based on Neal’s long and impeccable track record of accomplishments within the district for more than three decades. Many felt that her 35-plus years of experience with GRPS would be advantageous to her plans to advance the district, especially since she had held such positions as assistant superintendent of community and student affairs, co-director of communit
y and student services, coordinator of compliance, administrative assistant, and student worker.
While Neal has grand plans for GRPS, she knows, like most public school districts across Michigan, there are challenges. However, she is up to the task of leading a school district that is comprised of approximately 18,400 students and 4,000-plus employees. “One of the greatest challenges is creating quality teaching and learning environments in every classroom across the district,” says Neal, “We have the best teachers in the state, and part of my job is to ensure that we find ways to help every student, in every class be placed in a position that will better help them learn and advance.”
What’s interesting about Neal and her passion and vision for educating the children of GRPS is that she is a native daughter of Grand Rapids, and a product of its public school system. “I have loved this district for many, many years,” says Neal. “I’m a graduate of Grand Rapids’ Creston High School, and a product of GRPS’s elementary and middle schools. So my heart has always been here in Grand Rapids. I’ve never wanted to leave. I didn’t plan for this position; but I was so ready when it happened… It’s been a calling.”
Growing up in Grand Rapids, Neal knew she wanted to do something to help empower people; yet, education was not on her career radar screen. After graduating from high school, she stayed close to home and earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University. She subsequently received a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western University before returning to Grand Rapids.
Now, Neal is dedicated and focused on leading the students, teachers, community and other stakeholders of Grand Rapids School District. She knows that creating a better school system and creating better environments for teaching and learning are paramount for the success of all. “One of the things that has been so very rewarding about this job is seeing and meeting the children and parents of Grand Rapids School District when I’m out into the community,” says Neal, who has been married for 35 years and is the mother of two adult daughters and two grandchildren. “I love when students and parents see and recognize me and know that I am a product of this city, this school district, and this community….I love that they know I am one of them.”
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