Hemlock Public School District is investing in one of its own as educator Sarah Engelhart takes the next step in her professional journey through Michigan’s Section 27b Grow Your Own Educator Development Grant.
Through the grant-funded opportunity, Engelhart is pursuing a Master of Education in Principalship at Saginaw Valley State University, expanding her knowledge and skills in educational leadership, instructional leadership, school operations, and supporting students and staff.
For Hemlock Public Schools, the investment represents more than earning another degree. It is an opportunity to intentionally develop a talented educator who already knows Hemlock, understands its students and families, and has demonstrated a commitment to the school community.
“Sarah has already demonstrated a strong commitment to our students and our school community,” said Cory Snider, KC Ling Principal. “Providing her with this opportunity to grow as an educational leader is an investment not only in Sarah, but in the future of Hemlock Public Schools. The skills and knowledge she gains will benefit our staff and students for years to come.”
Michigan’s Section 27b Grow Your Own Educator Development Grant is designed to help school districts strengthen their educator pipelines by investing in people who are already working in schools. For Hemlock, that means identifying individuals with the talent, commitment, and potential to grow professionally and providing opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to access.
Engelhart’s participation is an example of exactly what the program is intended to accomplish.
As she works toward her master’s degree in principalship, Engelhart will deepen her understanding of the many dimensions of school leadership, from supporting high-quality instruction and developing positive school culture to working alongside teachers, students, families, and the broader community.
“We are excited to support Sarah as she takes this next step in her professional journey,” said Superintendent Don Killingbeck. “Developing leaders from within our own district is a tremendous investment in the future of Hemlock Public Schools.”
The district believes developing leadership from within has significant long-term value. Educators like Engelhart bring something to leadership development that cannot be learned solely in a university classroom. They already understand the culture of the district, have relationships with students and colleagues, and know firsthand both the opportunities and challenges facing the schools they serve.
The university coursework then adds another layer, providing formal preparation and a broader understanding of educational leadership that can be brought back into the district.
For Engelhart, the opportunity represents both professional growth and a chance to expand the ways she can serve students.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity Hemlock Public School District has provided me through the Grow Your Own grant,” said Engelhart. “Continuing my education at Saginaw Valley State University will allow me to grow as an educator and leader while continuing to serve a school community that means so much to me.”
Hemlock Public Schools sees the 27b program as part of a larger commitment to developing its people. Strong schools require strong teachers, support staff, specialists, and administrators, and creating opportunities for employees to continue learning and advancing professionally helps strengthen the entire organization.
The district is proud to support Engelhart as she continues that journey.
“This is what Grow Your Own should look like,” Killingbeck added. “You find good people who care deeply about students, you invest in their growth, and you give them opportunities to develop their talents. Sarah has a bright future, and we are excited to see where this journey takes her.”
For Hemlock Public Schools, the investment in Sarah Engelhart is ultimately an investment in something much larger: developing the next generation of educational leadership from within the Huskie Pack.
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