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HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersWhy I Teach

Why I Teach

This series brings you conversations with teachers about what they find meaningful about their day-to-day work, the joys and challenges of the profession and words of advice for aspiring teachers.

‘I need to teach. I need this job, here in this place, with these students’

Northview Beth Heinen Bell
English teacher Betsy Verwys calls her job at the Northview Next Career Center the hardest, but most rewarding, teaching job she’s ever had. We asked what motivates her to keep returning to the classroom after 25 years.

Montessori educator talks passion, challenges & upsides of profession

Grand Rapids Riley Kelley
Though the job is tough, this upper elementary teacher says the ‘rewards in the field of education are sterling.’

Second-grade teacher: literacy is a civil right

Wyoming Erin Albanese
Oriole Park Elementary School teacher Sarah Buys-McKenney’s mission is to make sure all her students have the foundational skills to excel in school.

‘Never one-size-fits-all’: Showing up for each day’s unique challenges motivates this teacher

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Connecting with students and learning from them makes each day special for Spanish teacher Kelly Grey.

Teaching is a ‘sacred exchange’ for Sparta educator

Sparta Riley Kelley
Not even retirement could pull Paul Owens away from the classroom.

From pain to passion to PE

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley
When Tarwo Konbloa came to the U.S. from Africa, he never thought of teaching as a possible career path.

She teaches by day, performs whenever she can 

Byron Center Alexis Stark
Byron Center orchestra teacher Madison Peters has integrated her first love — music — with her second: teaching.

Teacher finds joy in sharing the magic of art

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
For Godwin Heights art teacher Deanne Basse, teaching is about building relationships and connecting with students.

‘It’s all about seeing the students discover something for the first time’ 

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
For biology teacher Aaron Peoples, no two days in the world of teaching are ever the same, which is just the way he likes it.

‘No day is the same, and that’s why I enjoy it’

Kent City Alexis Stark
Passionate about reading and watching her second-graders grow, Monica Moore hopes to teach in Kent City her entire career.

‘I want to help students see the beauty in math’

Wyoming Erin Albanese
After 25 years teaching, Eric Retan loves the challenge of engaging students in math and showing its relevance.

‘It can be miraculous’

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Why I Teach: math teacher Susan McDonald.

‘The bonds are lasting’

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark
District EL Coordinator Andrea Donovan is in her 20th year of teaching in the Godfrey-Lee district, but has been part of the fami-’Lee’ since she was in kindergarten.

‘My days just fly by’

Lowell Erin Albanese
Energy from high school students propels Josh Rose through his days teaching chemistry at Lowell High School.
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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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