For Alissa Schnick, education has always been more than a career – it is a calling that has shaped her life from childhood. From playing school as a young girl to leading Westville Middle/High School as principal, her journey has been fueled by a passion for learning, a commitment to students, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. Now in her 11th year as principal, Schnick continues to foster an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Schnick knew from an early age that she wanted to be an educator.
“My mom swears that the day I was born, I came out of the womb wanting to be a teacher,” she said. “Since I was little, I would play school with my imaginary classroom, and that passion only grew.”
During her senior year at Chesterton High School, she participated in the Cadet Teaching program, working with a hearing-impaired elementary class. Fluent in sign language, she developed strong connections with the students, an experience that solidified her dream.
“That experience really secured my dream,” she said. “The students even came to my senior night basketball game, cheering me on. Now, almost 20 years later, I still feel the same joy in education.”
Beyond academics, sports have played a significant role in Schnick’s life.
“I played basketball throughout elementary, middle, and high school – it was definitely my favorite sport,” she said.
Recently, she experienced a full-circle moment when Westville played Chesterton, allowing her to reconnect with her former middle school basketball coach.
“I saw her and asked, ‘Hey, do you remember me?’ It was great catching up,” she said. “I also ran into my high school basketball coach, Jack Campbell, who now volunteers at South Central. We talked forever – it’s funny how life brings things full circle.”
Schnick has dedicated her entire career to Westville. After student teaching there through Ball State University, she was hired as a high school teacher before transitioning into administration.
“At the end of this school year, I will have been at Westville for 20 years,” she said. “The best part of working in education is making an impact on students in the most positive way. I take a holistic approach, focusing on academics, extracurricular activities, and personal connections.”
She believes the small school environment allows for deeper relationships with students and families.
“I greet every student in the morning at the crosswalk – I know them by name. I wave to the parents, and they often roll down their windows to chat,” she said. “That personal connection is something you don’t get everywhere.”
Schnick describes her leadership style as servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of supporting teachers, students, and families.
“As principal, my job is to serve others,” she said. “In education, we’re not just teaching academics; we’re shaping young people into good human beings. Listening, communicating, and assisting are all crucial.”
When it comes to discipline, she prioritizes understanding and open communication.
“Often, simply listening solves issues,” she said. “Even if consequences are necessary, creating a safe space for students to vent and feel heard is essential. The same applies to staff. De-escalating situations starts with making sure people feel valued.”
Recognizing the challenges today’s students face, Schnick has worked to implement programs that provide emotional and academic support.
“There are so many external pressures students deal with,” she said. “To help, we created a position called Director of Student Support Services, a licensed mental health therapist who works with students, staff, and families.”
Schnick believes one of the major challenges in education today is keeping up with ever-changing policies and requirements.
“The biggest challenge is keeping up with constant changes – whether it’s new diploma requirements, standardized testing adjustments, or legislative policies,” she said. “For example, Indiana recently passed a diploma change that will significantly impact smaller schools like ours.”
As an administrator, she sees it as her responsibility to stay informed and guide her school through these changes.
“Change can be scary, but if I educate myself, I can confidently explain the changes to students, families, and staff to ease uncertainty,” she said.
Schnick takes pride in Westville’s initiatives that encourage student accountability and engagement.
“I’ve always felt our school is a diamond in the rough,” she said. “One of the initiatives we implemented is the HAWKS program – Helping All Westville Kids Succeed.”
When she is not working, Schnick enjoys spending time with her family.
“We're very family-oriented. I’ve been married to my husband, Matt, for 17 years now. He owns a home inspection business in La Porte County called MAC Inspections,” she said. “We have three kids – Crew, 15, Carrigan, 12, and Cash, 5, who keep us very busy.”
The family enjoys boating on Pine Lake and traveling, particularly to Florida.
“We love Indian Shores, Florida,” she said. “It’s our go-to vacation spot. We fish, sightsee, and soak up the sun. Beach and boat days are my way to decompress.”
As she continues her work at Westville, Schnick remains committed to building strong relationships and fostering student success.
“In a small school, we have the opportunity to create meaningful connections and hold students accountable while providing them with the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “That’s what makes Westville special.”
Schnick’s dedication to Westville Middle/High School extends far beyond academics to shape a culture of accountability, connection, and growth. With nearly two decades at the school, she remains steadfast in her mission to uplift students, support staff, and strengthen the community. As education continues to evolve, she embraces change, ensuring that Westville will not just keep up, but thrive. Her vision is clear: to create an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. With her leadership, Westville’s future is bright, running on the belief that every student has the potential to achieve greatness.