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HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersWhy I Teach

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.

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.

Making connections to motivate students

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Math and science teacher Dipti Singh helps students catch up on credits at the Godwin Heights Learning Center.

She nurtures them, and they bring her joy

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell
Preschool teacher Heidi Voetberg says “I still love teaching after 25 years. … It is what I was meant to do.”

‘They teach me to be a better version of myself’

Thornapple Kellogg Alexis Stark
Veteran Thornapple Kellogg Middle School teacher Rojean Sprague shares what’s behind her passion for middle-school students and what keeps her in the profession for 31 years and counting. 

Educator focuses on cultivating passions

Kenowa Hills Alexis Stark
Zinser Elementary fifth-grade teacher Jeff Verkaik strives to find joy in the classroom every day. 

‘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.
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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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