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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.

‘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. 

‘I have 25 to 30 human beings with thoughts and dreams and feelings’

Lowell Erin Albanese
Shelley Swift has taught English at Lowell High School for 34 years. Here are her thoughts on why that’s so exciting. 

He is demonstrating how important English is in business 

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
An opportunity to work as a substitute teacher led businessman David Jimenez to become one full-time.

This teacher enjoys the sincerity & hilarity of high-schoolers

Wyoming Erin Albanese
Tom Cornell, a 27-year teacher at Wyoming High School teaches four different courses. Here’s why he loves it.
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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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