GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – Dominic Biolchini knows exactly what it’s like to be a teacher at Kent Hills Elementary School - because he taught there before becoming principal. That experience gives him a unique perspective on how to support staff and scholars.
“I know what it's like to be supported in this building,” he explained. “I know what it looks like, what it feels like, what the building sort of energy is like. Knowing what worked and what didn't work has really helped me.”
Biolchini believes Kent Hills is a special place for scholars to learn and grow.
“It's just a very lively place. No matter where you go, there's learning happening,” he said. “If you want your child to get to know all the different types of people that exist in the world and get a really high-quality education, this would be the place for you.”
His interest in education began early, inspired by his grandmother.
“A lot of my consideration for teaching probably starts with her. She was an elementary teacher, just like me,” he recalled.
Along the way, several of his own teachers helped shape his path by demonstrating what great educators can do.
“We all know the teachers that we really look back on positively and think, I want to be like them,” he said. “Some of those teachers really helped me kind of understand this is what I think I want to do.”
Now, as principal, Biolchini strives to lead by example and encourage the potential he sees in every scholar.
“There's so many things that they can do. Sometimes it just takes the right person motivating them.”
