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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.

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.

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.