Please tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised on the west side of Grand Rapids. I attended St. Adalbert's grade school and West Catholic High School. I have my bachelor degree in science and my master's in science education from Aquinas College. I have been blessed with teaching at Holy Spirit for my entire teaching career (17 years). I currently teach 6th and 8th grade science, along with 8th grade literature, and I coordinate Holy Spirit's student technology. My husband, stepson and I are members at the Basilica of St. Adalbert and we are active volunteers with Steepletown.
Describe your school.
Holy Spirit School is a preschool through 8th grade school located in northwest Grand Rapids. Our mission is to "promote the message and teachings of Jesus Christ."
Catholic schools are different because...
we have the ability to incorporate our faith in all that we do! This is a blessing in so many ways, from being able to pray with my students every hour to being able to include them as witnesses when I received the sacrament of marriage.
What drew you to teaching at a Catholic school?
As a product of Catholic education, I have experienced the benefits of Catholic education first hand. I had many amazing teachers during my Catholic school experiences and having those people in my life were a blessing. The best gift of teaching at a Catholic school is giving back to my students by being a teacher and as a faith role model!
What is your favorite part about teaching? What are your greatest rewards?
My favorite part of teaching is the excitement and passion that I can foster in my students. I strive to make my classes an experience that my students will remember. I love being able to have a positive impact on the lives of my students. Having taught for several years now, I enjoy running into former students and seeing the path that God has taken then on since they have left my classroom. I also love that I can laugh every day with my students. There aren’t many jobs that can bring so much joy and laughter! My greatest reward is being able to share my faith with my students. As a family of faith, I feel that Holy Spirit is my second family, through the blessings and challenges in life.
In your experience, what do Catholic schools do best? What does your school do best?
Catholic schools help students gain a strong educational foundation and strong moral foundation. Holy Spirit has an extraordinary family atmosphere! We strive to incorporate our faith in all aspects of what we do both in and out of the classroom.
From the Principal:
Michelle is an excellent middle school science and 8th grade literary analysis teacher. She makes all her classes informative, hands-on, and entertaining. Technology plays a big role in her classroom. Her students are always engaged in the classroom, in the science lab, and outdoors doing observations and experiments. In addition to teaching, she is a technology coach for the staff, assists with the Sunday evening confirmation classes, spent many hours doing the technology piece of our education foundation auction, and is always willing to help out in any way. We are so blessed to have Michelle on our Holy Spirit School staff!