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Why I Teach

Why I Teach is proudly sponsored by Lake Michigan Credit Union, and brings you conversations with teachers about what they find meaningful in their day-to-day work, the joys and challenges of the profession and words of advice for aspiring teachers. In this series, teachers representing all levels of education share their thoughts on what it’s like to be a teacher today. LMCU was founded by a Grand Rapids public school teacher in 1933.

She finds joy in guiding the youngest learners

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
She’s learned to prioritize when one student needs help with their work, another needs his shoe tied, a third says their tummy hurts and another is tattling — all at the same time.

She shares the joy of teaching, language & smiling ‘for real’

Wyoming Erin Albanese
English-language teacher Laura Bierens Bale says of her students: ‘They are part of us. They belong here.’

Teacher strives to empower through art

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley
Longtime art teacher Holly Lampen talks about how she found her place in education, and the hope for the future that her students instill in her.

‘I love to see things grow,’ veteran educator says

Rockford Riley Kelley
Developmental kindergarten teacher Annette DuBridge talks about what her profession means to her.

‘If I can teach them how to problem solve, then they can do anything’

Sparta Riley Kelley
This Sparta High School science teacher strives to help students see the bigger picture.

27 years later, he’s still at Lincoln Developmental Center

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Scott Angebrandt had opportunities to advance his career, but he passed on them, he said, because the best place for him is the classroom.

He found his fit teaching students about engineering

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
The Kelloggsville alum returns to inspire future innovations in the middle school’s STEM and broadcast programs.

Her passion: helping students gain skills to be independent

Lowell Erin Albanese
What’s the most amazing thing about special education teacher Anna Mainero’s students? Read why there are so many that it’s hard for her to choose.

She learns from her students to celebrate simple things 

Forest Hills Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
This Pine Ridge kindergarten teacher says her job is fulfilling and rewarding some 34 years and counting.

With a focus on artivism, teacher encourages self-expression

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark
Artist, poet and educator Meg Johnson, brings their passion for “artivism” to their students at Alger Middle School.

She found her sense of wonder in elementary education

Rockford Riley Kelley
Third-grade teacher Rachel Schirmann believes that ‘every kid deserves somebody on their team.’

PE teacher marvels at resilience, fortitude of students

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley
Derek Ash didn’t think he’d be in education long, but a physical education teaching gig at Cedar Springs ended up being the perfect fit.

Social studies teacher honored for service, sacrifice and supporting veterans

Caledonia Alexis Stark
Heather Tornes, Distinguished Citizen Award recipient and Caledonia High School social studies teacher, sees every day as a chance for her students to learn from the past to become better, more well-rounded citizens.

‘It’s a civic responsibility,’ teacher says of education work 

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley
This educator and East alum sees public education as a core part of democracy.

Teaching special education ‘all about celebrating progress’

Sparta Riley Kelley
Sparta special education teacher Samantha Klemm talks about her dream job and what it means to her.

She can’t wait to hear what her students are excited about today

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Kelloggsville second-grader teacher Ashley McKeeby talks about the eagerness of second graders. 
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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent ISD, which enroll more than 102,000 students. Founded in 2013 as an initiative of Kent ISD, we are supported by local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and multimedia journalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues facing students and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

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