My Knowledge Base for Teaching:

o Past School Teachers: I knew I wanted to be an elementary school teacher from an early
age. This desire was fueled by the positive attitude I had towards school. If I had not had
positive relationships with my school teachers and did not see them as role models, I
would not have been encouraged to enter this profession.
Some of my most influential past teachers include:
o Jennifer Greene, 1st and 2nd grade teacher
o Amy Berry, 3rd grade teacher
o Aaron Zuelke, elementary art teacher
o Jen Boodt and Janelle Kuiper, middle/high school health & PE teachers
o Mark Webster, junior/senior year Spanish teacher
o Dan Phipps, history teacher
o Jenn Knittel, senior English teacher
o Penny Zacek and Nikki Theune, high school swim team coaches
o College Professors: I have had so many great college professors at GVSU. They have
helped me move forward with my goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Some of my most influential past professors include:
o Jill Warren, ENG 307 and ENG 308
o Sue Cooley, MTH 221
o Alli Metz, MAT 300
o Susan Laninga, SST 309
o Chris Dobson, SCI 225
o Pat Bloem, ENG 304 and Netherlands study abroad leader
o Laura Vander Broek, Netherlands study abroad leader
o Field Experiences: These experiences helped me discover my passion for teaching
o Observing & Tutoring:
Shawmut Hills Elementary, GRPS (my first tutoring experience ever)
Central Elementary, Reeths-Puffer Schools (first formal observation
experience)
Robinson Elementary, GHPS (my first experience working with struggling
readers)
Stocking Elementary, GRPS (my first experience working with ELLs)
o 2016 Netherlands Study Abroad program
o Student Assisting at Nelson Elementary in Muskegon