From Classroom to Leadership: Jami Hoeksema’s NHA Journey
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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This Employee Spotlight series celebrates NHA’s 30th anniversary during the 2025-26 academic year and honors those whose dedication, leadership, and Moral Focus™ values have shaped our schools.
As National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) celebrates 30 years of teaching and learning, Jami Hoeksema’s journey is a testament to how a deep belief in people can lead to new roles and new ways to make an impact.
Jami began her NHA career in 2000 as a middle school math teacher at Knapp Charter Academy, sharing that when she first saw the job posting, she thought, “That’s my job!” She taught sixth- and seventh-grade math for two years, working directly with students, which is what she loves most.
After taking time off to raise her sons, Jami returned to NHA for a teaching position that became the foundation for what came next.
She soon after stepped into the principal role at Knapp Charter Academy, where she spent four years building strong staff relationships and partnering with families, which set the tone for student success.
During her fourth year as principal, Jami was asked to serve as an executive principal, supporting Timberland Charter Academy. It was her first opportunity to see another NHA school and broaden her perspective.
“That experience really opened my eyes. It helped me understand how our model could be strong across different schools and communities.”
Soon after, Jami transitioned to the role of Director of School Quality (DSQ), where she had the opportunity to oversee seven schools across various regions, including one in North Carolina. This role enabled her to forge meaningful relationships throughout the organization and witness how a shared mission can unite schools and communities.
That experience set Jami up for her next role, Executive Director of Schools. Jami says this work brings together both aspects of what she loves about education, the systems level, and the human level, helping refine processes while supporting leaders who do the work every day.
“You’re working on procedures and systems, but it’s really about people. How do we support them so they can do their best work for kids?”
Over time, her role has continued to evolve. As the organization grew, her focus shifted closer to home, supporting schools across West Michigan while still maintaining connections across the state and country.
Jami has had a front-row seat to one of NHA’s most defining strengths.
“One of the most incredible things to watch is how people develop here. You see teachers become deans, deans become principals, principals become directors. That kind of opportunity is rare.”
That growth, she said, is rooted in NHA’s foundation: a clear mission and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students.
“From the beginning, it was about strong academics, parent partnership, student responsibility, and Moral Focus™. It was simple, do those things well, and you’ll get results.”
For Jami, her journey reflects what’s possible at NHA.
“This is a place where you can grow. Where people see potential in you, sometimes before you even see it in yourself.”
Congratulations Jami!
As National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) celebrates 30 years of teaching and learning, Jami Hoeksema’s journey is a testament to how a deep belief in people can lead to new roles and new ways to make an impact.
Jami began her NHA career in 2000 as a middle school math teacher at Knapp Charter Academy, sharing that when she first saw the job posting, she thought, “That’s my job!” She taught sixth- and seventh-grade math for two years, working directly with students, which is what she loves most.
After taking time off to raise her sons, Jami returned to NHA for a teaching position that became the foundation for what came next.
She soon after stepped into the principal role at Knapp Charter Academy, where she spent four years building strong staff relationships and partnering with families, which set the tone for student success.
During her fourth year as principal, Jami was asked to serve as an executive principal, supporting Timberland Charter Academy. It was her first opportunity to see another NHA school and broaden her perspective.
“That experience really opened my eyes. It helped me understand how our model could be strong across different schools and communities.”
Soon after, Jami transitioned to the role of Director of School Quality (DSQ), where she had the opportunity to oversee seven schools across various regions, including one in North Carolina. This role enabled her to forge meaningful relationships throughout the organization and witness how a shared mission can unite schools and communities.
That experience set Jami up for her next role, Executive Director of Schools. Jami says this work brings together both aspects of what she loves about education, the systems level, and the human level, helping refine processes while supporting leaders who do the work every day.
“You’re working on procedures and systems, but it’s really about people. How do we support them so they can do their best work for kids?”
Over time, her role has continued to evolve. As the organization grew, her focus shifted closer to home, supporting schools across West Michigan while still maintaining connections across the state and country.
Jami has had a front-row seat to one of NHA’s most defining strengths.
“One of the most incredible things to watch is how people develop here. You see teachers become deans, deans become principals, principals become directors. That kind of opportunity is rare.”
That growth, she said, is rooted in NHA’s foundation: a clear mission and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students.
“From the beginning, it was about strong academics, parent partnership, student responsibility, and Moral Focus™. It was simple, do those things well, and you’ll get results.”
For Jami, her journey reflects what’s possible at NHA.
“This is a place where you can grow. Where people see potential in you, sometimes before you even see it in yourself.”
Congratulations Jami!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA) is a network of 103 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 67,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.