Profiles of Students, Staff, Teachers Archives - School News Network

Her career path was laid in first grade

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

Although she’s lived in West Michigan for some time now, An Kurosu’s career in education has global roots. Get to know the new West Oakview principal, who started working in Northview in November.

She helps students develop language, read, write & grow

Wyoming Erin Albanese

With teacher Casey Quick, students learn to listen, read, write and speak, and many games along the way.

Not just a volunteer, but ‘a piece of the library’

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

“You get to take a book home today!” This East Oakview library volunteer has spent more than a decade encouraging a love of reading from behind the scenes.

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.

New ‘fami-LEE’ leader fueled by coffee and community

Godfrey-Lee Alexis Stark

A former innovation and instructional coach for Godfrey-Lee schools, Julia Bierema is the new site coordinator at East Lee Campus.

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.

On state council, junior hopes to ‘make school better for every individual’

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

East Grand Rapids High School junior Taj Osborne has been appointed to the Michigan Department of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

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.”

Working in education, ‘You can really make a difference in a community’

Kent City Beth Heinen Bell

Kent City graduate and erstwhile music instructor Julie Scott is the new assistant principal at Kent City Elementary School.

His goal: supporting ‘an atmosphere of success’

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

Tony Quinn is the new director of the Northview Next Career Center.

‘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.