Welcome! Who We Are in EDR 622 by Pam Page

Post Your Introduction

pagep — 2016-12-20 11:15:03 UTC

Double click anywhere on this page (outside of a post) and simply add your own information.
Required information: 1. Your name (first & last) 2. Where you live and teach 3. What you are currently teaching (grade level & subjects)
Other information: Add any additional information to help us get to know you (family, hobbies, travels, etc.). Add a photo by using the camera icon.

Introducing: Becky Spangler

2017-01-01 23:28:06 UTC

I am a first grade teacher at St. Johns Public Schools in St. Johns, MI. This is my seventh year teaching. I taught my first two years in Arizona after graduating from GVSU. I am married, with no children. When I have time for hobbies, I like to camp, read, and go for bike rides and walks with my husband.

Introducing: Jamie Raade

2017-01-02 14:14:29 UTC

I started my teaching career as a 4th grade teacher at Vanguard Charter Academy in Wyoming, MI. After leaving the classroom, I worked in the Curriculum department at the Service Center for National Heritage Academies for eight years. I am currently working at Amplify, which creates K-12 educational products and services based out of Brooklyn, NY. In this position, I am supporting the Professional Development team as they create and present product information to teachers, principals, and instructional coaches.
I live in Zeeland, MI with my husband and our two boys. Both of our children are very active in sports so they keep us busy with soccer, basketball, and baseball. In my spare time, I enjoy competing in triathlons, reading, and watching all Michigan State sporting events.
Since I am not currently teaching, I would like to continue my learning of early literacy skills in grades K-2.

Introducing: Melanie Clawson

2017-01-02 18:53:36 UTC

I am in my second year teaching at Light of the World Academy, a Montessori charter school in Pinckney, Michigan. My first year of teaching was with third and fourth graders. This year I am co-teaching with a Montessori certified teacher in a Kindergarten classroom. We are able to combine our knowledge and create a Montessori environment while teaching to Common Core and State Standards. I love working in my hometown.

When I am not working or studying, I love to read, craft and hang out with my family. I also love to do puzzles and play board games.

I am the oldest of three girls. My youngest sister is in sixth grade this year, while my middle sister is working on her PhD at the University of Michigan.

Introducing: Elizabeth Canvasser

2017-01-02 18:54:22 UTC

This year marks my third official year as a teacher! I work at a Jewish day school called Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It is quite different than working in a public school because my students spend half of the day learning in English (math, reading, writing, language arts and science) and half of the day learning in their Hebrew class. My first two years teaching I was a first grade teacher, and assisted second grade when my students were in their Hebrew classes. This year my school is using the co-teaching model, so I now teach first and second grade with another teacher.

More about me: I am the youngest of three girls in my family--my two sisters are twins. I love to snow ski and wakeboard. In my free time I like to spend time with friends and family.

Introducing: Nicole McKellar

2017-01-02 19:00:43 UTC

I am currently in my 5th year of teaching first grade. At Hope College I was placed in first grade for student teaching and fell in love with that grade level. After graduating, I became a classroom aide in first grade and was hired the next summer for a full time teaching position. I have been fortunate enough to stay at the same school, Roosevelt Elementary (Zeeland Public Schools) for six years now working in first grade!

My husband Tyler and I live in Holland, which is close to both of our families and allows us to spend time with our five nieces and nephews. We love to go to movies, try new restaurants, and cheer on U of M together!

Introduction: Sarah Vos

svos1 — 2017-01-02 19:45:38 UTC

Hello! My name is Sarah Vos and I am in my 5th year of teaching first grade in Zeeland. First grade is my passion and my most favorite part of it is seeing the growth from the beginning of the year to the end--it's amazing! :)

When I am not in the classroom or pursuing my Master's (almost done; one more class after this!), I am spending time with my little family. My husband and I live in downtown Zeeland. We have a 2.5 year old son named Grayson who is the best thing ever. He will become a big brother in May and he's excited to meet his baby sister (for now :)).

Introducing: Tricia Kiepert

tkiepert — 2017-01-03 13:42:32 UTC

Hi Everyone! My name is Tricia Kiepert and I am a first grade teacher at Hudsonville Christian School in Hudsonville, Michigan. This is my 20th (!) year of teaching, and I still find myself learning and trying new things all the time. This year, I am trying weekly podcasts with my first graders so they have a way to share their learning outside the classroom. It has definitely been entertaining! :)

I live in Hudsonville with my husband Kevin and an adorable cat named Dandelion. I am a voracious reader and I also love to cook. My husband and I like to travel and visit libraries and used book sales. We are nerds. :)

Farewell, Winter Break!

2017-01-04 17:18:53 UTC

My name is Jessica Pleak. This is my fourth year teaching in Arizona. I was born and raised in Northern Michigan, and graduated from U of M in 2013. I currently live in Prescott, AZ, with my two cat-children (Salvador and Dahlia) and teach English and Psychology 9-12 at an alternative high school called PACE Academy in Prescott Valley for students on probation or have other life circumstances that prevent them from attending traditional schools. I love teaching here :)

In the picture is my niece, Poppy. She loves to SnapChat with her Aunt Jessie <3

Introducing: Ashleigh Palmiter

2017-01-04 18:25:06 UTC

Hello, I'm Ashleigh! I teach 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at Ridge Park Charter Academy in Grand Rapids; I've been there 3 years. I began my career teaching high school online. I live in Grand Rapids with my husband. We are expecting our first baby, a boy, in March! Right now my hobbies include finishing up house projects and putting together the nursery. My face is obscured in my picture, but it's my favorite recent "bump" picture! (Our school holiday party was a masquerade theme).

Introducing: Rachel Jackson

jacksorm — 2017-01-06 00:13:10 UTC

Hello Fellow Teachers! This is currently my third year teaching second grade at Blackbird Elementary in Harbor Springs, Michigan. I absolutely adore my students and appreciate the excitement and challenge that they bring to my life.

My husband and I moved to the "Tip of the Mitt" a few years ago from Kalamazoo, Michigan after graduating from Western Michigan University. My folks still live in Standale, where I grew up, not far from GVSU's main campus. Both Grand Rapids and Harbor Springs have my heart.

When I am not teaching, you will find me boating on the bay, skiing down the slopes, or playing with our one year old yellow lab!

Introducing: Ashley DelBrocco

2017-01-06 18:03:51 UTC

Hello! My name is Ashley DelBrocco and I am a first grade teacher. This is my third year of teaching. I am at Achieve Charter Academy in Canton, Michigan. I love the students and families that are at Achieve. I also have an amazing team of teachers that I get to work with and hope to be here for many years to come!

I live about 20 minutes from my school, in Downtown Plymouth. I love the small town feel that it has. My boyfriend and I recently bought a house down here and have been spending most of our free time painting and decorating our new home.

Here is a picture of my brother, sister, and me (in the middle). :)

Introducing: Lorie Miller

2017-01-06 19:38:45 UTC

Hi! My name is Lorie Miller and I am a 7th and 8th grade social studies.teacher at Knapp Charter Academy in Grand Rapids, MI. This is my fifth year teaching social studies. I started my career at Ridge Park Charter Academy and was there for two years. I have been at Knapp for three years and I absolutely love it!

I have been married to my husband, Phil, for over three years and about a year ago we bought our first house! We have loved the adventure of becoming home owners. Most recently I have been doing a lot of painting on our trim!

Introducing: Katrina Deters

2017-01-08 00:51:44 UTC

Hi all! My name is Katrina Deters. I am certified in Music Education K-12 and was fortunate enough to find a part-time position right out of undergrad (Hope College) teaching middle school choir and music. Wanting to find full-time work, I'm adding an elementary endorsement through GVSU and will be done in August! While I am taking classes, I'm working as a Special Education Parapro at Hudsonville Public's Freshman Campus.

I was a voice major, but I enjoy playing the violin, ukulele, guitar, and some piano. My husband and I have been married for just over a year and we live right across the street from my job - you can't beat that commute! :) We love to cook, spend time by the pool, and most of all hang out with our dog. He is the furry apple of our eyes!

Introducing: Katherine Miller

2017-01-08 14:43:40 UTC

Hi! My name is Katherine Miller. I am in my forth year teaching. I grew up living in Cedar Springs Mi and now currently live in northern Michigan. I graduated from Alma College with a degree in Elementary Education and my ZA endorsement.I taught preschool for three years. Two of those years were in Traverse City and one of them was in Boyne City. I currently teach first grade at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Petoskey, MI. I am enjoying the change from preschool to first grade.

I have been married to my husband for a little over a year. We just recently bought a house and are busy doing house projects. I love living in northern Michigan where I enjoy biking by the water, going to the beach, camping, and in the winter I enjoy skiing on the slopes.

Introducing: Michelle Letherby

2017-01-08 19:45:31 UTC

Hello! My name is Michelle Letherby. I currently teach 4th and 5th grade at Black River Elementary School in Holland, MI. This is my fourth year teaching upper elementary, but my fifth year at Black River. For a year previous to working at Black River, I was an interventionist in Caledonia, MI.

My husband and I have been married for over 3 years and live in Kentwood. When we are not working, we enjoy game nights with friends, binge watching Netflix, going for bike rides, and going to the beach.

Introducing: Elise Bouman

2017-01-08 20:52:18 UTC

My name is Elise Bouman. I am a 3rd Grade teacher at Excel Charter Academy in Grand Rapids. I have been at Excel for three years, and before that I taught 2nd grade for two years in Kalamazoo, commuting from Grand Rapids. I love the 10 minute commute I have now!

My husband, Taylor, and I have been married for a year and a half. We love to travel, try new food, bike, hike, and camp. This summer we spent three weeks camping, hiking, and visiting 11 National Parks in the Southwest United States! It was beautiful and I can't wait to see more of the National Parks!

Introducing: Glynis Tyler

2017-01-09 14:20:41 UTC

My name is Glynis Tyler. I am a 2nd grade teacher at Ferndale Lower Elementary in Ferndale, MI. This is my second year in Ferndale. Prior to this I taught 2nd grade for four years at Detroit Merit Charter Academy.

My husband, Zach, and I have been married for just over 7 years. We have two children, Noah 3 years old and Emma 7 months old. Interesting fact, my daughter Emma was born on my 30th birthday! I love to spend time with my family playing games, going to the zoo, and exploring Henry Ford/Greenfield Village.

Heather Kreuze

heather_kreuze — 2017-01-10 02:46:51 UTC

Hello! My name is Heather Kreuze, and I teach 1st grade at Innocademy, which is a charter school in Zeeland. This is my fourth year teaching 1st grade, and prior to that I taught kindergarten for two years at Innocademy. I live in Holland, Michigan.

Some hobbies of mine include running, paddle boarding, kayaking, and spending time with my three sisters. I also love to travel, and am actually moving to Brazil this summer to teach there for two years! The picture below is a recent one from my trip to visit my younger sister in California. (I'm on the right.)

Taylor Rickelmann

2017-12-31 20:55:41 UTC

Hi! My name is Taylor Rickelmann. This is my fifth year teaching. I am currently in my 2nd year teaching Kindergarten in Edwardsburg, MI. I previously taught 3rd grade for three years in Arizona before moving back to the midwest. I currently live in Indiana because Edwardsburg is about 10 minutes from the state line.

I love to read, cook, and be outdoors in general. I love to travel and have been to Australia a couple times. I grew up in the Ann Arbor area and got my undergrad at GVSU too.