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.

‘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...

A champion of creativity

Kent City Janice Holst

Despite the challenges of being a first-year teacher in a school year disrupted by a global pandemic, Kent City’s new art teacher inspires students to keep growing in their creative skills...

A fun classroom, by design

Kentwood Erin Albanese

This fifth-grade teacher, a finalist for the 2020 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, loves to get her students involved in STEM projects using design thinking...

Teacher lights science up with creativity

Kentwood Alexis Stark

As a child, Wendy Johnson’s curiosity led her to discover her passion for science. Now a ninth-grade biophysics teacher at East Kentwood, her passion transforms the average science class into a hub of student curiosity...

A veteran teacher adapts to new reality: ‘nothing compares to this’

Grand Rapids Phil de Haan

An elementary school teacher of 40 years says education has never seen anything like 2020...

‘Soul of Northview’ Says Students Are the Reward

East Grand Rapids Charles Honey

Ted Burba, a longtime and beloved teacher for Northview Public Schools who retired this fall, died early this week after a long illness. In tribute to his lasting legacy, School News Network republishes this profile of Mr. Burba that originally ran in 2016 to honor his 50th year of teaching...

Longtime agriscience teacher earns honorary FFA degree

Caledonia Alexis Stark

After 24 years of teaching, John Schut believes incorporating fun and service into education is more engaging for students than taking notes in a classroom...

A real team player

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

From bus schedules to substitute teaching, Ellen Veenkant helps where she can. And she’ll soon join a new team...

‘Who we are as teacher and student is essentially the same’

Rockstar Teachers Erin Albanese

Wyoming Junior High School teacher Shantel VanderGalien was named Region 3’s top teacher by the Michigan Department of Education in May, donning the title during a pandemic, when education is flipped on its head...

Teacher and coach applies lessons in classroom and on field

Kelloggsville Phil de Haan

New Kelloggsville head football coach Brandon Branch also teaches science and math at the high school and looks to bring academics and athletics together whenever he can...

‘Doing better’ in the classroom — conventional or virtual

Rockstar Teachers Bridie Bereza

Fourth grade teacher Kelly Compher has adapted her teaching skills and emphasis on equity from the traditional classroom to Google Classroom...

Guiding students to becoming informed citizens

Rockstar Teachers Erin Albanese

This AP Government teacher helps students learn to become critical thinkers, and students say his passion is contagious...

Teaching art ‘is what I’m meant to do’

Northview Morgan Jarema

She says ‘life is much better with creativity’...

‘I owe so much to them all’

Caledonia Hannah Lentz

He has been teaching orchestra to Caledonia middle school students for 15 years...

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School News NetworkA Window into Your Public Schools

ABOUT US

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.

Teacher recognized for ‘excellence in Chinese teaching’

She’s in year 20, and ‘goes at it like year two’

For real, she dances a fine reel

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Middle-school artists add ‘squish’ to second-grade designs

One Book, One City program culminates with visit from author

Pi Day slices fun with math

Level playing field offers connection for students of all abilities

High school broadcasters inspire middle school channel

What would closing U.S. Dept. of Education mean for special education in Kent County?

Through his eyes, he communicates

Rockstar Teachers

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