Leadership Profile
Joe Pellerito
Joe Pellerito
Leadership Development Advisor
Joe Pellerito was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is passionate about bringing out the best in his students and teams. As an identical twin, he is the youngest of five by 13 minutes. Joe graduated with honors from Western Michigan University and began his work as a social studies teacher in 2000.
As his school’s first diving coach, he helped his students rise to the top of their conference and eventually compete at the state level. In 2006, Joe earned his master’s in educational technology and is pursuing a degree in educational leadership. He has worked in both rural and urban settings and currently teaches at one of the largest high schools in the state, a district representing approximately 64 countries and 68 languages.
Joe credits his Capturing Kids’ Hearts training nearly a decade ago with adding many more leadership skills to his tool belt. His students’ AP U.S. History pass rate for college credit on the College Board exam improved from 67% to 100% in 2006. As a Teen Leadership teacher of 7 years, hundreds of his students have been featured speakers and facilitators at Capturing Kids’ Hearts trainings, leadership conferences, anti-bullying workshops for elementary students, orientation experiences for middle school students and parents, district kick-offs and many other K-12 staff meetings at schools and colleges across the state.
Joe became a summer trainer for the Flippen Group in 2009 and serves as a Process Champion, mentoring others in his building and school district. He continues to empower students and staff members to grow in their own leadership skills in and out of the classroom.
Joe is married to the love of his life, Judy Pellerito, vocal music director at Northview High School. They are proud adoptive parents of their son Danny; Joe and Danny recently earned their black belts in martial arts after 3½ years of practice. The Pelleritos love staying active with family, camping, and listening to many of their musical friends or relaxing at their home in Kentwood, Michigan.
Joe Pellerito
Leadership Development Advisor
Joe Pellerito was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is passionate about bringing out the best in his students and teams. As an identical twin, he is the youngest of five by 13 minutes. Joe graduated with honors from Western Michigan University and began his work as a social studies teacher in 2000.
As his school’s first diving coach, he helped his students rise to the top of their conference and eventually compete at the state level. In 2006, Joe earned his master’s in educational technology and is pursuing a degree in educational leadership. He has worked in both rural and urban settings and currently teaches at one of the largest high schools in the state, a district representing approximately 64 countries and 68 languages.
Joe credits his Capturing Kids’ Hearts training nearly a decade ago with adding many more leadership skills to his tool belt. His students’ AP U.S. History pass rate for college credit on the College Board exam improved from 67% to 100% in 2006. As a Teen Leadership teacher of 7 years, hundreds of his students have been featured speakers and facilitators at Capturing Kids’ Hearts trainings, leadership conferences, anti-bullying workshops for elementary students, orientation experiences for middle school students and parents, district kick-offs and many other K-12 staff meetings at schools and colleges across the state.
Joe became a summer trainer for the Flippen Group in 2009 and serves as a Process Champion, mentoring others in his building and school district. He continues to empower students and staff members to grow in their own leadership skills in and out of the classroom.
Joe is married to the love of his life, Judy Pellerito, vocal music director at Northview High School. They are proud adoptive parents of their son Danny; Joe and Danny recently earned their black belts in martial arts after 3½ years of practice. The Pelleritos love staying active with family, camping, and listening to many of their musical friends or relaxing at their home in Kentwood, Michigan.