Krista Visser graduated from the University of Michigan- Flint and Ann Arbor when she received her undergraduate degree and teaching certificate. She graduated with rainbow cords for her work as an ally with the LGBTQIA+ community.
After graduating, Visser was a classroom teacher for 8 years, mainly in middle school and upper Elementary teaching English Language Arts and History. Visser never originally had her sights set on being a principal as she loved being a classroom teacher. However, one year Visser was asked to help the curriculum director at her school to align the social studies curriculum for the district. During this time, the curriculum developer encouraged Visser to become an administrator, so Visser enrolled in a master’s program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor.
At this point Visser was hoping to become a curriculum director, but realized that the path there often required being a principal first. At Concordia University, Visser earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a dual concentration of Curriculum and Instruction. Before taking the job as Principal at Ann Arbor Open, Visser served as Principal at Whitmore Lake Public Schools and at Pine Creek Elementary in West Ottawa. Visser said that now, 12 years later she feels incredibly fulfilled in her role as a principal.
Ann Arbor Open
Ann Arbor Open serves students in their Young 5’s program through the 8th grade. They are considered a multi-age school, which means that many of the classrooms have 2 grade levels within them. Their program values learning through not only academics, but also play, interest, and the environment around them. The location of Ann Arbor Open enables students to safely explore and learn from their environment as there are many parks and establishments nearby within walking distance. Part of the playground is a natural playground and there are chickens taken care of by students, families and the whole A2Open community.
Visser described that a few times a year, the entire school gets together to engage in “focus studies.” During a focus study week, students individually choose a topic that they are interested in such as baking, drums, all things Hamilton, creative writing, comics, and so many more. These are led by staff and parents/family members. Students, families, and staff fully immerse themselves in their chosen topic of learning for an hour each day.
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Another way A2Open is different from other traditional schools is the annual Showcase event. Each year there is a theme and classrooms turn their entire room into what they chose to support the theme. For example, one year the theme was “How Things Work”, and a classroom had projects around how the human body works throughout the room, There is an evening where all families are invited to tour classrooms throughout the building. The next morning students are able to tour.
Visser said that Ann Arbor Open was founded by teachers and parents in hopes to create a truly open school environment where members of the community are encouraged to be involved in school. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and current nationwide school safety issues, the school has stayed the same, yet has also evolved.
Visser said they have been “doing some soul searching in how to define who we are now as the world has changed around us.”
She said that the main philosophy hasn’t changed; every classroom supports it in different ways. That makes Ann Arbor Open unique while also staying true to their roots and evolving as time goes on. The motto of striving daily to “leave people and places better than we found them” encompasses all things Ann Arbor Open.
Joys of being principal
Visser values the relationships that she has been able to build with students, staff and families at Ann Arbor Open. She said that she truly thrives on the home-school connection that they are able to create.
Visser said that the biggest joy of being Principal at open is, “I’ve finally found my home. I hope to retire at Ann Arbor Open School. It is a special place. It is an absolute joy walking in our building every day knowing that my educational philosophy, belief system, morals and values match that of the community I lead.”
Personal life
Visser has two children, Jasper and Maya. Visser describes Jasper as very creative and a talented artist. Maya, Visser said, is a freshman in college majoring in nursing and hoping to eventually become a midwife.
Visser also has 2 dogs that she enjoys spending her time with, and describes as “truly part of the family.”
In her free time, Visser enjoys being near the water and engaging in boating and swimming. She is a fan of Michigan sports and is a supporter of the Red Wings, Lions and Tigers. Visser said that the Big House is one of her happy places. She also enjoys listening to music and reading in her free time.
