05/24/2018
Joe Walker
After 33 years in education, Mr. Joe Walker will retire at the end of this school year. For the past twenty-five years, Clinton Prairie Elementary has been blessed by the leadership of this man. Mr. Walker served students as a teacher for nine years and has been an Administrator the last sixteen years. Prior to becoming a Gopher, Joe taught eight years at Marion, Western, and Tippecanoe School Corporation.
Mr. Walker is a Cardinal supporter as he received both his Undergraduate and Master’s Degrees from Ball State University. In addition, Joe met his wife, Kristi, at Ball State, and both of their children graduated from BSU. Later, Joe obtained his Principal’s license from Purdue University.
Students and families that walked the halls recognized that Mr. Walker loved his job. Joe chose education because he considers himself a people person who loves to help kids and see their faces light up as they learn new things. His fondest memories are each and every time he runs into a former student and has a conversation with them to see how they are doing.
Joe has been involved in various clubs and extra-curricular activities over the years. He has coached Elementary and Jr. High Football and Varsity Baseball. He also organized and leads the High School Go Kart team that has had a successful debut.
Mr. Walker leaves his students and colleagues with some sound advice: “Always listen and hear the whole story from both sides. A good decision today is a good decision tomorrow. Don’t make knee-jerk reactions to situations as they arise.” Spoken from years of experience and solid leadership!
Joe is married to Kristi Walker,a first grade teacher at CP. They have two children that are CP graduates. Their daughter, Morgan, works at the University of Dayton, and their son, Ryan, is a Social Studies teacher at McCutcheon High School. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have partnered to inspire many young lives and families in the CP community.
Mr. Walker does not plan to sit idle during retirement. Serving others has been his life for the last thirty-three years; therefore, he is currently looking to transition to a new position in the next chapter of his life. “Clinton Prairie has been a wonderful place to both work and raise a family. My wife and I are very happy that we have chosen to call CP our home.”
Mr. Joe Walker, the CP community thanks you for your service and dedication to our school. You have left an impact on many lives through your genuine compassion, encouraging support, and exemplary leadership. Your Gopher spirit will forever resonate through the halls of Clinton Prairie.
