By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — New Tippecanoe Valley Middle School Principal Kyle Wieland said he is “blessed” to be in his role.

“I get to wake up every day and help kids,” he said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Kyle Wieland

Wieland, who lives west of North Manchester, was hired this summer to replace Scott Backus, who opted to step down as principal to teach at Tippecanoe Valley High School.

Wieland is originally from North Manchester, graduating from Manchester High School in 1994.

Education is something he initially didn’t consider as a career; however, in his senior year of high school, one of his teachers told him he thought Wieland would be a good educator, thus cementing his job path.

Wieland got his bachelor’s degree in math and biology secondary education from Indiana University. He noted those subjects were the ones he was best at in school. He later got his master’s degree in school administration and leadership from Ball State University and an education specialist degree.

Wieland returned to his high school to teach for eight years. Following that, he went to Wabash City Schools for 10 years, serving as the high school assistant principal, elementary school assistant principal, and high school principal.

He came back to Manchester Community Schools for three years, serving as superintendent, then as the director of communications and public relations.

Wieland noted it’s been easy for him starting out at TVMS as the school made “great strides” during Backus’ time as principal. He also said all of the faculty from last year have returned to teach for the 2024-25 year.

Wieland said he enjoys working in school administration and helping “teachers grow.”

He encourages others to consider education as a career.

“We just need people in the schools who are selfless and inspiring,” said Wieland.

Wieland’s son, Austin, followed in his footsteps to become an educator. He teaches elementary school in South Carolina.

Wieland and his wife, Julia, who have been married for 13 years, also have a daughter, London, who’s a senior at Manchester High School.

In his spare time, Wieland enjoys spending time with family, traveling, fishing and kayaking.