For newcomer, Josh Goeringer (Ger-Ing-ger), education has always been a calling. Since the 7th grade, tutoring became a realization for Goeringer that his interests lay in helping others. The problem was finding the perfect fit. He may have found just that at RDP.
At Lowell Senior High School, Goeringer enters his first year at the helm, excited for the future and what’s to come. A graduate of Crown Point High School (CPHS, 2002), Goeringer spent most of his younger years within the townships of Crown Point and Merrillville. During that time, Mr. G. spent his teenage years playing basketball and serving as a member of the Student Council. While Goeringer has been in the education field for years, it was not the path his family would have expected for him, as he strayed from the norm.
“I’m the only Goeringer to go to college,” he said. “Education just always spoke to me. I knew it was the right thing for me to do.”
After originally attending Ball State University as a business major, Goeringer made the 112-mile jump south to Bloomington to pursue an education major at Indiana University. After completing a graduate degree, Mr. G came back to The Region, serving in various teaching stints throughout. He first landed a student teaching job at Taft Middle School in 2006, staying there until 2016. Afterwards, Goeringer relocated east to LaPorte County, taking an administrative role at Westville Community Schools from 2016 to 2019. He also took on the roles of head Athletic Director and girls basketball coach. Goeringer describes the trip to Westville as new territory.
“It wasn’t adversity; it was starting over,” said Goeringer. “I didn’t know anyone in Westville; I kind of went on an island by myself.”
The eye-opening experience was challenging at first, but it was much needed for Goeringer. Drawing from those experiences in the Westville community, Mr. G took his teaching talents to Union Township Middle School, serving in an administrative role from 2019 to 2023.
After 17 years in education and coaching, Goeringer felt the need for a change in career paths. The uncertainty of that decision was significant; however, he accepted the Executive Director role at the YMCA, where he worked for around two years.
“I wanted to still serve and help people,” said Goeringer, reflecting on his time at the YMCA.
With this pivotal career change, Goeringer felt something was missing. He knew it wasn’t the same as being in the classroom. With that thought in mind, an opportunity opened up in an unlikely place, something that surprised him.
“There are so many good things about Lowell that when something opens up, I’m going to go for it,” said Goeringer. “I chose Lowell specifically because I want to be here.”
Despite taking a brief detour from education, Goeringer knew it was his true passion. “It’s in you,” Goeringer said. “Once you find what you love to do, there’s no replacing it.”
With the newly introduced Red Devil coming onto the scene this past fall, Goeringer has set goals to make not only this year a great school year, but also to set a solid foundation for future years. These goals may come as a surprise when considering a principal’s standard. Goeringer aims to be available, present in the classrooms, and, most importantly, to prioritize having fun.
“You try really hard to get to know everyone quickly, and that doesn’t work because it’s not a genuine connection,” he said. “I try to make myself as available as possible. And I like to help because I’m a problem solver.”
Outside of the school setting, Mr. G is raising his two kids while coaching them in their chosen sports. You will often find our principal watching a variety of sports, from basketball to football, which have been a passion for Goeringer since his high school days. He also plays guitar and exercises regularly. If he weren’t in education, you might have seen him pursuing a career in pediatrics as a family doctor.
Being the head of the order at LHS is no small task. Goeringer makes sure to take time for himself so he can be the best version of himself for our student body and faculty. He likes to unplug from time to time, practicing quick meditation to relax, and he enjoys visiting classrooms to engage with students. Goeringer embraces the opportunity to connect with them.
“There are so many great parts of this job, like being able to say I’m the principal, which is awesome,” he said. “I like representing the school. We are all a part of that; it’s not just me. And I’m really proud to be here.”
The self-proclaimed nerd never loses sight of his roots. Goeringer recalls a conversation with his basketball coach during his senior year of high school, which inspired him to take a similar path. He understands that long-term stories are the most fulfilling, and the impact he can have on others is the best part of his job, just as others once impacted him. Mr. G hopes his legacy will be about the positive environment he creates for the communities he serves.
“I want to create an atmosphere that everyone enjoys being in and looks back on fondly,” Goeringer said. “If I could stay here for 20 years and people look back to see that the staff wanted to be here every day and that students felt safe and wanted to come to school, that’s what I want.”
Easier said than done, but Mr. G. is on his way to achieving just that. It will take time, but our new principal, Mr. Goeringer, is set to make our experiences as students and staff at LHS some of the best. From tutoring in 7th grade to working in our community, there is no doubt he is the perfect fit.
