Annie McMahon Whitlock grew up in Lowell and graduated as part of the Lowell High School Class of ’99. Then, college and life took her elsewhere as she went on to pursue a career in education that, so far, has included roles in teaching, administration and higher education.
But when it came to where Whitlock and her husband wanted to settle with their two daughters, it was Lowell that beckoned her home.
“I grew up here (and) have a very deep connection to the Lowell community,” Whitlock says. “I moved back to raise my kids here.”
Now, she is one of five active candidates vying for four seats on the Lowell Area Schools Board of Education during this November’s general election. Given her personal and professional background, Whitlock thinks she will be able to serve the district well, noting “I think I can bring a lot of value to the board.”
Bringing Multiple Perspectives to the Board
Since graduating from LHS, Whitlock has earned three degrees, worked in education for 20-plus years and authored or edited more than two dozen research papers and two books. She is also the president of the Michigan Council for the Social Studies.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University, a Master of Education in reading/reading specialist from Grand Valley State University and a Ph.D. in curriculum, instruction and teacher education from Michigan State University. Professionally, she has taught middle school social studies, was a social studies curriculum director and currently serves as an assistant professor of history and social studies at GVSU.
“My job requires me to have to base knowledge (of education),” Whitlock says. That means that, if elected, “I think my learning curve will be less steep.”
She adds, “I bring a lot of different perspectives to the board that don’t currently exist on the board.”
While there are other alumni and educators on the current LAS Board of Education, Whitlock notes that she has a child with special needs. Her kids also attend Cherry Creek Elementary School, and there isn’t a current board member with a child in that building.
What’s more, as a professor at GVSU, she sometimes comes into contact with Lowell graduates, giving her a glimpse into how prepared the district’s students are for higher education.
Running for an Open Seat
Since returning to the community about two years ago, Whitlock has looked for ways to be involved in the schools. She was part of the PTO at Bushnell Elementary and is now part of the Cherry Creek Advisory Committee and the District Parent Advisory Committee.
“I’m first and foremost a proud supporter of public schools,” Whitlock says, adding: “That doesn’t mean they don’t have their flaws.”
But she says she’s not running for the school board because she thinks the situation at LAS is “bad.” On the contrary, she says she is running because she thinks the local schools are good and wants to keep them that way.
“Our district does a lot of things well,” Whitlock says. “How can we continue to make it good?”
Plus, she believes that running for the board would be “a great way to use my background” and serve the community at the same time.
Adaptability Key to District’s Future
When asked for her thoughts on the future of LAS, Whitlock says adaptability will be key to the district’s success.
“The opportunities our students have now didn’t actually exist 20 years ago,” she notes. In 20 years from now, education and schools may be similarly transformed, and the district needs to change too.
One thing Whitlock would like is for LAS schools to foster more real-world learning and service opportunities. She points to activities at the Wittenbach Center as one example of how this is already happening. “I think learning needs to happen outside the classroom as much as possible,” Whitlock says.
If elected, she says it would be her goal to look for ways to attract top talent to the district while also supporting veteran teachers. In terms of board functions, she suggests, “I think simple explanations of things would help (combat misinformation).”
“I know the board always has to make tough decisions,” Whitlock says. But the reward for that hard work is being able to have an impact on Lowell students that will last a lifetime.
Whitlock is hoping residents will give her a chance to make that difference and vote for her on the November ballot.
Leave a Reply