Michael Bendicsen grew up near the Region. He comes from Addison, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago. He attended Valparaiso University to earn his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in secondary-education studies. Following the completion of his undergraduate degree, his love for the area never really left.
Bendicsen got a master’s degree in education administration from the satellite campus in Hammond formerly called Purdue University Calumet, now Purdue University Northwest. He then ventured outside the Region for a little while to spend even more time in academia thereafter – he went on to Indiana Wesleyan University for his Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.). He finished up his scholarship at Oakland City University in Southern Indiana. His educational pursuits dragged him from Valpo for short stints of time, but opportunities to teach at Valparaiso High School brought him closer to the position he’s in currently as principal of Valparaiso Alternative Learning Experience (VALE). He’s held that position for six years now.
Coming from a family with strong public-service values, Bendicsen thought it natural to immerse himself in education as a career. The trend to work in public-service began with his grandfather, who was a Chicago firefighter. His mother is a retired special-education teacher, while his father was a social worker, one who still occasionally sees clients. One of his brothers served as a police officer, and one is a teacher, just like Bendicsen.
Bendicsen’s love for history motivated him to teach it for years. He taught it at multiple high schools. Besides educating in the classroom, he even became a school administrator for some time after receiving the proper licenses. However, presently he serves in a different capacity, one that allows him to experience that which he’s wanted to most as an educator: teaching, lending a helping hand to, and standing up for the little guy.
“I have the ideal job. I’ve always been drawn to students that maybe don’t fit the traditional mold,” he said. “I’ve taught in traditional high schools and enjoyed it, but I gravitate toward the kids with obstacles that need to be overcome. Helping them get there has been very rewarding.”
There aren’t any dull moments for Bendicsen in his role. Primarily being a graduation-readiness program, the days go by quickly as the VALE students stay occupied with all kinds of activities, including community-service work, such as landscaping, tree-trimming, or delivering for VNA Hospice Meals on Wheels. The fulfillment of it all can definitely be found in the work itself, but possibly more so in the establishment and development of meaningful connections.
Being prepped for graduation is daunting for most, but Bendicsen operates as part of the Valparaiso Community Schools that seek to equip and prepare its students for the real world. His vocation has helped him to realize that. He’s also committed to showing students that the supportive figures in their lives truly are there to care and guide.
“I’m really blessed that I work for a school district that facilitates this kind of schooling. Making those positive relationships with the kids while we’re doing that important work is fulfilling,” he said. “When you have some students that haven’t had positive relationships at school with the adults, to be able to work with their principal for a few hours, then grab ice cream on the way back, it really can make things go a lot more smoothly for everybody.”
Last year Bendicsen contributed to the addition of three Current Technical Education (CTE) classes to VALE’s overall programming, which have played an integral role in increasing the program’s size and depth. As for its future, Bendicsen is hoping to add more of those classes, as well as other options that might boost student success by impacting them in purposeful ways at their different life stages. There’s constantly something to look forward to and hope for.
“We’re looking at a middle-school component, or an early education component. What I’d really like to see would be a challenge-education course. It’s somewhat like an obstacle course,” he said. “The kids would go through various stages and challenges. That would really be something.”
Bendicsen also remains busy outside of his vocation. In the past, he served in an alternate public-service-type position, having once been a reserve police officer for twelve years. When it comes to leisure time, he enjoys spending it with his family, particularly when they get to go hiking anywhere outdoors. He attends his children’s sporting events with his wonderful wife. Additionally he’s a voracious reader.
Valparaiso has become Bendicsen’s home not so far away from home. Having spent just over three decades here, it’s seized a special spot in his heart. He’s formed a unique connection with the city.
“I consider this my hometown. I’ve been here for over 30 years, and this is where my friends and family are. I’ve enjoyed watching the city grow over the years, and it’s really where I’ve grown too,” he said.