Panel of Alumni Teachers Help Future Educators

Special education students heard from recent grads in the field at the recent Teacher Alumni Panel hosted by Trinity’s Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC). The event presented the opportunity for current students and future educators to learn from the experiences alumni who gained employment as teachers soon after graduating from Trinity.

“This panel was extremely beneficial to both current students and the graduates as well,” said SCEC Vice President Kari LeGrand ’15 of Glen Ellyn, Illinois.  “Their experiences helped to make us aware of things that we might encounter in our future classrooms. It was great to hear about different teaching methods, programs, and ways to manage a classroom.  It was also beneficial for the teachers because they were able to hear each other’s experiences.”

“I not only learned about the blessings they receive from teaching, but also the real-life challenges that they face every day,” said Jaclyn Workman ’15 of Tinley Park, Illinois. “My favorite part was that they shared a few of the interview questions they were asked. The alumni made me more excited to be a teacher and more thankful that I am preparing for this occupation at Trinity.”

Alumni Panelists

Corinne (Beezhold) Jansma ’13, Crown Point Christian School
Kevin Barron ’12, Steger public schools
Kaylee Wilson ’13, Elim Christian School
Christine (Iwema) Hoekstra ’11, Dr. Ralph Bunche Elementary School
Kelly Gron ’13, District 146 (Adult Studies graduate)
Alli Stoub ’12, Calvin Christian School
Kelly Vandenberg ’12, Michigan City public school
Nate Hill ’13, Excel School 
Josh Pollema ’13, Reavis High School

In addition to the Teacher Alumni Panel, the SCEC also hosted a Hawaiian Dance for students from Elim Christian School. Kim Zaagman ’14 of Mokena, Illinois, serves as SCEC president, and Dr. Pete Post ’74, associate professor of education, serves as advisor.   

The Council for Exceptional Children is an international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.