National Principal Month Feature: Brad Mockabee

CAMPUS: Grand Rapids Christian High School

How long have you been working at GRCS?

This is my 22nd year with Grand Rapids Christian!

Give a brief overview of your family life, educational, and/or career history.

I married my high school sweetheart, Meredith. We have three kids: Lauren (15), Hannah (12), and Andrew (7). At Grand Rapids Christian High School, I have been a Spanish teacher, varsity football coach, Winterim coordinator, Dean of Curriculum, and now Principal. I have a Spanish/math secondary education degree from Calvin and a MA in educational leadership from Western Michigan University.

What is your favorite part of your job?

We are a school community that is diverse and complex in many ways. I love the challenge of bringing together and empowering our staff and students to create a welcoming culture where all students can discover their God-given gifts and thrive. 

What led you to the desire to become a school principal?

God has called me to various leadership roles at Grand Rapids Christian High School that have prepared me for this position. All those different roles have given me a unique perspective on the work we have to do to prepare our students for lives of service. Knowing the incredible staff that we have here was a big reason I wanted to pursue the position. I knew that I had mission-driven colleagues who worked so well together to produce students that exemplify the Grand Rapids Christian Schools Portrait of a Graduate. I'm so thankful that God has called me to this challenging but Kingdom-building work!

Of all your time at GRCS, what special projects or accomplishments are you most proud of?

As the Varsity football coach: I took over the program in 2001 when we had never won a league title or made the playoffs. We then went on to win three league titles and made the playoffs five times. We started a youth program that grew to roughly 225 student-athletes. 

As a Spanish teacher: I led many student trips to Spain, some with Sara Seth, GRCMS principal. 

As Winterim Coordinator: I served as the first administrator in charge of Winterim when we began the program in 2012. I created the structure and systems to give students opportunities to find their gifts by taking unique courses, securing internships in the community, or through travel opportunities. 

As Dean of Curriculum: I worked to create systems where students could thrive and learn at high levels. Our team created a "Focus Period" time in our daily schedule to give additional opportunities for teachers to work with students. I also worked with a group of GRCHS graduates to create an app to organize the assigning of students in various teacher sessions. 

As Principal: We restructured the student leadership structure to better represent our student body and the work we have been called to do. I've collaborated with the admin team and faculty to create virtual learning systems last spring, where students could continue to learn at a high level even when not physically on campus.

What is something you learned about yourself or about teaching and learning during the pandemic and/or Off-Campus Learning?

I learned the importance of having a mission-driven staff with a collaborative culture. Our teachers and staff genuinely view their work as a calling, not just a job. They worked incredibly hard to prepare for a new platform. Because we have worked so collaboratively in the past, our faculty trusted each other and trusted admin. I'm so thankful for such a fantastic team!

Share your thoughts on this year's school theme: "All Things. Hold Together."

It is the perfect theme for what we are experiencing now. We are a divided world, and God's promise to hold us together needs to be in front of all of us always. This is not the message that students get in many areas of their lives, so what a responsibility we have to model and teach this!

Which Portrait of a Graduate characteristic do you relate to most within your role, and why? Or, which characteristic do you try and exemplify most, and why?

Undoubtedly, being a Disciple of Christ is the characteristic that is foundational to the work I/we do at GRCHS. My faith in Jesus Christ causes me to strive to exemplify all the other traits as acts of worship.  It is my "why."

Anything other additional thoughts, stories, or advice you'd like to share?

I am so thankful that God has called me to be part of this amazing community. I'm humbled every day that I get to do this work with my colleagues.