From Denver Classrooms to Whitehall’s Helm: The Journey of Superintendent CJ Van Wieren

It’s not often you meet an educator whose path wove through the Rocky Mountains before leading to the shores of Lake Michigan, but that’s exactly the journey Superintendent CJ Van Wieren took before finding his home at Whitehall District Schools. Now in his 12th year with the district—and his first as superintendent—Van Wieren sat down with CatchMark Community to share the story of how he went from a student in Holland, Michigan, to the leader of one of the area’s most dynamic school districts.

From West Ottawa to Ferris State

Van Wieren grew up attending West Ottawa High School, where he first crossed paths with legendary Montague football coach Pat Collins, who guided his football career early on. A multi-sport athlete, Van Wieren’s passion for athletics led him to Ferris State University, where he played quarterback for the Bulldogs’ football team and also contributed as a forward/guard on the Ferris State basketball team. These formative experiences—both in the classroom and on the field—shaped Van Wieren’s future in education and leadership, instilling in him a love for teamwork, perseverance, and mentorship.

A Start in the Mountains

After graduating from Ferris State, Van Wieren found few job openings in Michigan, so he moved to Denver Public Schools to teach fourth grade at Schmitt Elementary. Originally from Michigan, he made the leap west when his wife, Lindsay, secured an internship at the Denver Post. “[Denver] was a different experience, different perspective, [and a] different population of students,” Van Wieren recalls. “It gave me a wide range of seeing kids from different socioeconomic statuses, cultures, and backgrounds. It really helped me understand why our public education system is so important.”

While he and Lindsay loved the adventure of big-city life near the mountains—complete with year-round schooling breaks—they eventually felt the pull of their Michigan roots. As they began thinking about raising a family, they decided to head back to the Midwest.

Coming Home to Whitehall

Upon returning to Michigan, Van Wieren connected with Whitehall District Schools, where he landed a position as a fifth-grade teacher at Ealy Elementary. “They had a few openings, and I came back to interview,” he says. “I landed a teaching job and have been here ever since.” After three years at Ealy, he transitioned to principal at Whitehall Middle School, followed by a stint as athletic director and assistant superintendent. Most recently, he stepped into the superintendent’s role.

Middle School Magic

Van Wieren is quick to credit his time as a middle school principal for giving him perspective on students’ unique developmental challenges. “The middle school kid is the most unique experience in K–12,” he notes. “The growth a kid makes from sixth to eighth grade is beyond anything you see at other levels. It’s challenging, but to see them leave in eighth grade and then eventually walk across the stage as a high school senior is incredible.”

Inspired by Students

Van Wieren traces his love of education back to influential teachers and coaches he had growing up in West Ottawa and at Ferris State. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher by early high school,” he reflects. “I had some amazing teachers and coaches who made a real impact on me. It’s always been about how we, as adults, can give kids more opportunities and prepare them for the world.”

Even as superintendent, he misses the day-to-day interaction that classroom teaching offered. “It’s the relationships with those 24 or 28 kids every day,” he says. “You get to know them like they’re your own. But I remind myself we’re all making a difference, just in different ways now.”

Athletic Influence

Beyond the classroom, Van Wieren served as a football coach at Whitehall for 11 years, as well as briefly coaching baseball. Stepping away from coaching duties has been an adjustment, but he recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities. “Without sports, clubs, and other opportunities, kids miss out on experiences,” he says. “There’s a direct correlation between being involved in something and academic success.”

Life Beyond the Office

When he’s not working or attending school events, you can find Van Wieren and his family enjoying Michigan’s great outdoors. “We have a cabin up north, and we love getting out on the lake,” he shares. Married to Lindsay—originally from Cadillac—for 15 years, the couple has three children: Emerson (9), Quinn (7), and Bowen (5). “We love living here, and we want our kids to grow up here,” he adds. “It’s a great place to call home.”

Vision for Whitehall

As superintendent, Van Wieren aims to positively impact the wider Whitehall community. “It’s about partnerships with businesses and community members,” he explains. “We’re one team working together to give kids the opportunities and education they deserve.” From his days as an athlete in West Ottawa and Ferris State to his years teaching in Denver and leading in Whitehall, Van Wieren’s focus has always been on championing student success.

A Five-Key Focus for District Success

In a recent school board presentation, Van Wieren highlighted a five-priority plan—developed through insights from parents, teachers, staff, and community members—to guide Whitehall District Schools forward:

1. Leadership and Staff – Recruiting, supporting, and retaining top-tier educators and leaders.
2. Business Management – Aligning budgets with strategic goals, seeking grants, and forming community partnerships.
3. Communication – Maintaining transparency and open dialogue with all stakeholders.
4. Community Feedback – Continually listening to and incorporating feedback from local families, businesses, and organizations.
5. Learning Trajectory – Providing equitable, inclusive learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of all students.

Central to each focus area is a commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that all decisions reflect students’ varied backgrounds and life experiences. Collaboration among teachers, staff, and district leaders stands at the heart of this plan, as does seeking sustainable funding through responsible budgeting and external partnerships. To empower staff, Van Wieren emphasizes shared decision-making and celebration of successes—creating an environment where every educator feels valued and proud of their contributions.

Van Wieren acknowledges the challenges that may arise but believes continuous improvement and community engagement will keep the district on course. By staying focused on these five areas, he hopes to provide every student with a positive educational experience while uniting Whitehall as one team. Professionally, Van Wieren remains committed to ongoing development, gleaning lessons from mentors and colleagues alike.

“This is about creating meaningful, lasting change for our students, staff, and families,” Van Wieren says. “When we come together as one community, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

For more educational articles check out the education section of our CatchMark Community website.