GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – Museum High School Principal Tamika Henry didn’t always plan on a career in education, but she quickly discovered it was where she truly belonged.
“I went to the University of Michigan,” explained Henry. “My goal was to become an entertainment lawyer; however, I really got the bug for education and helping young people.”
Her passion for working with students was inspired by her father, who spent his career with Lansing Public Schools.
“I would help out sometimes doing summer camps,” she recalled. “I realized that that is where my passion lied, helping young people.”
Henry began her career in Allendale, first as a teacher and later as an administrator.
“I had always wanted to be in GRPS,” she said. “All the great things, all the innovation, I just always had it in my heart. I wanted to be a part of this, impacting the youth of Grand Rapids. This is where we make the most impact in people's lives. Working with youth, we make our mark on generations we will never, ever see.”
After leading Sherwood Park Global Studies Academy, Henry became principal of Museum High School, where scholars engage in interdisciplinary learning and community-based projects that connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences.
“Everything we learn has to go back out in the community,” she said. “Our scholars are not just consumers of information and knowledge, but they're also producers. They take what they're learning, they go out in the community and they give back.”
For Henry, preparing scholars for life after graduation is at the heart of her work.
“I want my scholars to understand I am here for them and their educational journey, not only in the classroom, outside of the classroom,” she said. “We always are preparing our scholars for the world that is, and the world that will be.”
