First Grade Staff
I teach first grade in a share-time position which mainly includes leading devotions and all of the language arts (reading, writing, and spelling). I graduated from Calvin College in 1986 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I began my teaching career at a Christian preschool and then went on to become an Elementary Reading Paraprofessional in a local public school. While at this reading position, I met a Christian teacher in the public school who informed me of a teaching position at Byron Center Christian School. It was thrilling to see how God had reserved a place for me here at BCCS. I began teaching first grade here in 1989, and have also had the privilege of teaching a first/second grade combined class. I then taught 9 years of part-time kindergarten before I returned to teaching first grade in 2001. While teaching here at BCCS, I completed several graduate courses at Calvin College and in 1994 obtained my Master’s Degree in Reading and also received a K-12 Reading Endorsement. I am thankful to be serving God in a position at a Christian school where I can not only share my faith with my students, but also use my “literacy talents” to teach beginning readers to become proficient in reading.
I am blessed with a wonderful husband, Tom, to whom I have been married since 1984. We live in Byron Center.
I also have two young adult children, Benjamin and Sarah. Both Benjamin and Sarah graduated from BCCS and South Christian.
Proverbs 3:5-6 has become real to me through many experiences in my spiritual journey. Walking the journey with my Savior has taught me to lean heavily on His understanding instead of my own. The prayers of our school and church community have been a blessing to my family and to me, both personally and professionally. I am glad to be part of the Family of God here at BCCS.
My Deep Hope is to know that Jesus loves us and to spread His love to others.
I am very excited to be a part of the staff at Byron Center Christian School where I can share my love of Jesus with the students that I work with. It is a joy to work with God's children and see them grow in their faith and share their love of God with others. I love seeing God's creative hand in each student I meet. It is truly a blessing to work with God's amazing children!
I received my teaching degree from Calvin College in 1988. I previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade for many years at Hudsonville Christian School.
I am married to Eric and we have three adult children (Tyler & Kelly, Laura, and Kelli) and three grandchildren (Emma, Ava,and Ezra). I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, walking with friends, and reading.
Bible Verse: "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" So we say with confidence "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:5-6
My Deep Hope is to know that Jesus loves us and to spread His love to others.
I love the Lord and it is a privilege to be able to teach first grade at BCCS where I can share my passion for Christ with children! What a joy it is to help children see that every aspect of life and learning is under God’s control and part of His plan. Whether I am telling stories directly from the Bible, or explaining how God’s hand is evident in nature, it’s amazing to see children discover God’s world and His love for them!
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Calvin College and have taken additional graduate classes. I taught previously at Downers Grove Christian School in Illinois, and have been part of the BCCS family since 2000. I live in Zeeland with my wonderful family—my husband, Adam, and children, Tyler and Olivia.
Favorite Verse: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8 - 9
My Deep Hope: I pray that you will always remember Jesus lavishes His great love on you! Let’s spread His love as we learn and grow in 1st grade.
As a child my dream was to be a teacher. Although that dream didn't become a reality for me until after my own children were grown, I am so blessed to spend my days with first graders. It is my joy to teach young children and watch them "grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)
I received a BA degree in Language Arts and a Masters in Elementary Education from GVSU and began teaching at BCCS in 2002. I have taught kindergarten, the first/second grade blended class, and first grade.
My husband Randy and I live near Jamestown, and we love spending time with our three sons, their wives, and our grandchildren. I also enjoy reading, crocheting, taking walks, and spending time at our cottage.
I returned to college after our boys were grown to pursue my teaching degree.
A verse that became a favorite and my encouragement during my time in college was Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God is faithful, and thankfully, His plan included teaching at Byron Center Christian School. It is exciting to know that God also has a plan for each of my students, and that I get to have a small part in preparing them for that future.
My Deep Hope is that each child would know God’s lavish love for them, and would use their own unique gifts to spread that love to others.