HomeProfiles of Students, Staff, TeachersRockstar Teachers

Rockstar Teachers

There’s just something about certain teachers that draws students to them in droves and keeps them checking in. This series highlights some of these rockstars of the classroom.

Making learning ‘as local as we can’

Grand Rapids Erin Albanese

Stephanie Nielsen, the Region 3 Michigan Teacher of the Year, leads her students into the wild schoolyard around them to discover peas, dandelions, trees and cross-curricular connections...

An award-winning partner in education

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Michigan Science Teacher of the Year Grace Boersma sees herself as a facilitator, guiding students to the answers...

Environmental educator on a quest to make learning more meaningful — and fun

Forest Hills Carol Lautenbach

Central Woodlands’ sixth-grade teacher Patty Tolly knew mid-career that ‘there had to be better ways than traditional methods to help students learn.’ Her quest to find those methods continues today...

Doing what he loves by teaching tech, inspiring students

Kent City Charles Honey

In his 25th year of teaching at Kent City, Jeremy Smith helps students learn high-tech skills that they share with the community through social media...

She’s incredible, sweet and ‘boring’

Wyoming Erin Albanese

She has devoted her whole career to Oriole Park, the elementary school she attended and loves...

Chosen by art, to her students’ benefit

Northview Morgan Jarema

The recently named art educator of the year can be found at none other than Northview High School...

Teacher leads students into the great outdoors

Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

From grants for gardens to learning about nearby Plaster Creek, Erin Fettig and her first-grade students are busy becoming stewards of the earth...

‘You have to teach them how to love themselves’

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark

Her classroom walls remind them they are loved, to be kind, that life is good and to believe in themselves...

‘I like to keep kindergarten playful and academic’

Caledonia Alexis Stark

It’s been thirty-two years and counting for this second-generation educator...

Profesor de Rockstar: Randall Domeier

Byron Center Erin Albanese

Songs, festivities and decorations make for a lively and bright classroom, but Spanish teacher Randall Domier’s energy is what inspires and impacts his students and colleagues...

Finding her passion

Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

A decade ago Nicole Durso had to make a tough decision between a career in the restaurant industry or one in the classroom. Fortunately for students, she chose the latter...

Always in the action, gym teacher connects through play

Wyoming Erin Albanese

After 37 years teaching, this teacher refuses to stand on the sidelines...

Veteran Grand Rapids teacher back in classroom for 50th year

Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

The pandemic almost did her in, but she decided that if she didn’t have to return to virtual in 2021-22, she was coming back...

‘You can see their minds expanding’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

This multi-award-winning physics teacher and robotics coach has made it his mission to keep doors open for students and encourage young women to pursue STEM careers...

Socks optional, fun mandatory: retiring science teacher reflects on a successful career

Kent City Janice Holst

Retiring after nearly 30 years in the district, this teacher made a difference in the classroom, on the sports field, in fundraising and in the lives of his students...

‘There is something about inclusion’

Sparta Janice Holst

This teacher has made it her mission to help students with mild impairments find their way in school and beyond...

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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.

Her career path was laid in first grade

She helps students develop language, read, write & grow

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

He is demonstrating how important English is in business

Mobile Farm Science Lab ‘udder-ly’ engaging

Partnership pairs high-schoolers with scientists for real-world research

Simulated crime ties science, critical thinking & data analysis

Opportunities abound at first in-house career fair

Newcomer students experience first Thanksgiving

Learning life skills ‘where life happens’

State of the Student tackles four big topics

High-schoolers talk mental health with education leaders, legislators

Rockstar Teachers

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