"I missed working with students, staff, and families as a servant leader,” he said. “I like NHA’s systems and processes that ensure moral and academic accountability in students."
Hatfield has come to Wellspring Preparatory with the same goal he has strived for in the past – to help others achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations in the classroom and beyond as future citizens.
“I chose education as my profession because I enjoyed helping students reach their academic, behavioral, and extracurricular potential,” he said. “I enjoy being part of the solution for our staff and families when building a stronger community.”
Hatfield spent the majority of his time at Kentwood Public Schools and has overseen students from elementary to high school. In that time, he has helped them break through barriers as well as reach new heights.
“I have seen students become the first to graduate from high school in their immediate family,” he said. “I have assisted previous staffs in achieving state and national recognition through the positive academic, attendance, and behavioral expectations implemented which led to student achievement for everyone.”
Hatfield believes that a student’s attendance record and behavioral and academic successes go hand-in-hand with parental involvement. And with parental involvement comes respect, his favorite of National Heritage Academies’ nine Moral Focus virtues.
“By fostering clear and precise expectations, a parent is emulating values that are expected of their student upon entering a career pathway and becoming a productive citizen after graduation,” Hatfield said.
Even in his spare time, being involved in learning never ceases for Hatfield. He has worked part-time with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in the marine patrol since 2017, educating others in boater’s safety.
It’s just another example showing that his arrival at Wellspring is a marriage based on common ideals.
“As a citizen in our society, each of us can freely give and earn one another’s respect through our words, actions, or lack thereof,” Hatfield said. “(NHA’s Moral Focus virtues) collectively empower individuals to enhance others’ lives and our communities.”
Quick Facts:
- He earned a business associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, and a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University.
- He worked as a business solutions representative for West Michigan Works! before coming to Wellspring Prep, helping connect job seekers and employers.
- He enjoys going to church, hanging out with his family, reading for learning, gardening (although not the best gardener), exercising, barbecuing, and playing corn hole.
Check out a school near you!
About Wellspring Preparatory High School
Wellspring Preparatory High School is a tuition-free, public charter school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving students in ninth through 12th grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Wellspring Preparatory High School's blog to read more stories like this.