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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.

Time hasn’t dulled this flip-flop-wearing teacher’s excitement about education

Sparta Riley Kelley

Learn about what keeps this 29-year educator coming back to the classroom.

She helps students grow and discover ‘the power in what music can do’

Kent City Beth Heinen Bell

“Music is something that I’d like kids to keep with them for a lifetime, and hopefully I can encourage that,” says elementary music teacher Rhonda Vanderwest. Discover why being at the front of the classroom brings her joy.

She makes an impact through creativity, conversations

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

“I’m there to support everybody,” Ally Mabry says of her role as an eighth-grade special education teacher. Learn more about the impact she hopes to make in the classroom.

‘Pushing the plot in a new direction’ for each student’s story

Kent ISD Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Matt Reda values the flexibility of MySchool@Kent, which gives him the opportunity to build meaningful, personal relationships with his students.

Award-winning teacher: ‘It’s an honor to be part of their journey’

Kentwood Erin Albanese

Second-grade teacher honored with high-impact educator award shares her thoughts on cultivating the teaching craft.

In the classroom, she says boosting confidence comes first

Rockford Riley Kelley

This teacher’s secret to success involves building students’ belief in themselves.

Once a Rocket, always a Rocket

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

From student to longtime educator, Todd Coon has spent decades giving back to the Kelloggsville community.

She thinks all students are ‘amazing & brilliant’

Sparta Riley Kelley

Learn why education was the only option for this fourth-grade teacher.

‘My goal for you is just to get better’

Kent City Beth Heinen Bell

Lauren Carlisle has navigated a lot in her first five years of teaching. We ask her why she’s a teacher and what keeps her going.

Proud, exhausted, worthwhile: reflecting on the marathon of teaching

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

After more than 20 years of teaching, Lee Middle School science teacher Janene Parney has learned a lot about her profession and herself as a person.

In her classroom, learning comes alive

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A vocabulary and phonics lesson is rarely the most exciting part of the school day — unless you’re in Grace Olsson’s first-grade class.

She’s on the lookout for that ‘OMG moment’ of understanding

Cedar Springs Riley Kelley

After four years in education, Shaye Rogers is settling into a rhythm.

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.