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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.

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.

From pain to passion to PE

East Grand Rapids Riley Kelley

When Tarwo Konbloa came to the U.S. from Africa, he never thought of teaching as a possible career path.

She teaches by day, performs whenever she can

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Byron Center orchestra teacher Madison Peters has integrated her first love — music — with her second: teaching.

Teacher finds joy in sharing the magic of art

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

For Godwin Heights art teacher Deanne Basse, teaching is about building relationships and connecting with students.

‘It’s all about seeing the students discover something for the first time’

Comstock Park Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

For biology teacher Aaron Peoples, no two days in the world of teaching are ever the same, which is just the way he likes it.

‘No day is the same, and that’s why I enjoy it’

Kent City Alexis Stark

Passionate about reading and watching her second-graders grow, Monica Moore hopes to teach in Kent City her entire career.

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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.

Kent County Cup winner finds new career focus through esports

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

Retired teachers return as mentors

Friend, athlete, advocate uses abilities to help others

Marshmallows & math make for a sweet multiplication lesson

Senior makes artistic mark on snowplow

Initiative aims to double enrollment in career & technical education by 2030

Fourth-grade Choristers come together in song

High-schoolers share thoughts on school safety, engagement & more

Student broadcaster pushes for positive coverage in advisory role

On podcast, teen shares about major loss, forgiveness & gratitude

Poet pens work celebrating school library’s achievement

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