Maggie Malone
Superintendent, West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics
From learning to play music on a plastic guitar to leading one of West Michigan’s most unique schools. In this episode, Maggie Malone, Superintendent of West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics, shares how educators changed the course of her life, the leadership lessons she learned through music, and why she believes the arts enrich a student’s ability to learn and help them develop confidence and creativity.
00:00 – Introduction to Maggie Malone and West Michigan Academy of Arts and Academics
03:19 – Navigating College Applications as a First-Gen Student
06:50 – Life-Changing Dog Attack Injury & Transition to Administration
10:55 – Lessons in Educational Leadership & High Standards in Music vs. Academics
12:47 – Giving Effective Feedback to High Performers and Struggling Teachers
24:18 – Understanding Charter Schools vs. Traditional Public Schools
27:00 – The Whole-Brain Benefits of Music and Arts in Learning
31:40 – Advice to Her 4-Year-Old Self & Closing Remarks
Maggie Malone is the Superintendent of West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics, where she combines a lifelong passion for education, leadership, and the arts to help students discover their potential.
A first-generation college graduate, Maggie’s journey began with the encouragement of teachers and mentors who saw possibilities in her long before she saw them in herself. Growing up with limited resources, she found opportunity through music, eventually earning degrees in Music Education and Performance from Michigan State University.
What started as a dream of becoming a professional musician evolved into a nearly four-decade career in education. Along the way, Maggie served as a teacher, Fine Arts Director, administrator, and educational leader, impacting thousands of students and educators throughout West Michigan.
Known for her belief that leadership is about serving others and creating opportunities for growth, Maggie has built her career around helping people become more than they thought possible. Today, she continues that mission through arts-integrated learning, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to preparing students for success both inside and outside the classroom.
