Meet Dr. Liz Walgamuth, Head of School at Grace School
Dr. Liz Walgamuth is the Head of School at Grace School. Entering her 16th year as Head of School, we sat down with her to discuss her role, impact, and aspirations.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I am originally from Iowa. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa ( Go Hawkeyes!), my master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and my doctorate from the University of Houston. I’ve spent 35 years working in public and independent education. I have worked in rural schools in the mid-west and urban settings in the south, which included vulnerable populations and bilingual education as a teacher, technology director, assistant principal, principal and now as the Head of Grace School.
2. What aspects of Grace School make you proudest?
There are several things I’m proud about at Grace School. Number one is our exceptional students. My love for students drives me to build the flexible, focused, and fantastic environment we have here at Grace. It takes a team effort to prepare and position our students for their future. I hope we see our vision come to fruition- inspiring compassionate, thoughtful students eager to engage in the world around them.
I’m also so proud of how we’ve reimagined the learning environment at Grace School. Beacuase of the generous donations from capital campaigns, annual giving, Parents Club fundraisers, and a clear vision- we’ve created a learning environment where 21st-century students can succeed. From the classroom remodels, the athletic complex, two new STEM labs, renovation of the gym, flexible furniture, and now the remodeled cafeteria, we’ve worked within the confines of the exisiting building sturcture to create new and exciting spaces for teaching and learning.
3. Where do you think the biggest opportunity is for innovation to impact education in the future?
This is a question I am always pondering. What I know for sure is it is essential to allow our students to participate as “innovators” in the real world is our most significant opportunity. For that to happen, we had to design innovative systems, processes, and spaces in our school that ultimately allowed us to change how we do school. All preschool through grade 8 students should have the opportunities to pursue their passion and interests- to discover, empathize, experiment, and produce. By creating innovative spaces and a robust strategic identity in STEM, we’ve created an environment that not only invites discovery and exploration but encourage it.
4. You have a very complex job; how do you prioritize your day?
Daily, I must find ways to balance out my priorities and set the vision for my team to create the best educational experience for our students. Some days it’s all about the process; other days, it’s strategy. Sometimes it’s going from one issue to the next!
As a Head of School, it’s vital to focus on vision and future direction. I make sure to create time in my schedule to work on the future of Grace School.
About Grace School
Grace School is a private Christian school in Houston, Texas, serving students from ages 20 months through Grade 8. Uniquely combining a faith-based STEM curriculum, Grace School fosters an environment where children develop the skills and mindsets to become compassionate innovators, problem solvers, creators, and changemakers.