Annalise Vander Baan
Sixth Grade teacher, Resource room - Traditional
Years at Zeeland Christian: 1
Years in Christian Education: 1
Education:
Degree in Special Education (Cognitive Impairments) and elementary education.
Certified in elementary education.
Certified in outdoor education through Project Learning Tree.
What do you love about Zeeland Christian?
The passion and love everyone has for God, learning and each other. I love how welcoming and supportive everyone is, and how they build on each other's gifts and talents.
Why are you passionate about Christian Education?
Christian education allows each student the opportunity to know that they are created in the image of God and that they are called to serve Him and further His Kingdom. My job as a Christian educator is to provide my students with the tools they need to accomplish this purpose. My goal is to help each child find how he/she can serve God and use the gifts they have been given.
What do you want others to know about you?
I grew up in a small town in Massachusetts and attended a small Christian school through grades K-12 (where my dad was my principal). My faith has always been a vital part of my life, but it wasn't until college when I really started to own it. I had a period of time during college when life got really hard and God was constantly reminding me He would never leave me. I grew so much from that experience and learned things from God I wouldn't have been able to teach myself. He is the biggest part of my life and I live out each day for Him.
I am the youngest of the four children in my family. Growing up I fell in love with running, traveling and baking. I started competitively running in 6th grade and continued running at the national level throughout college. Now I still competitively run but mostly just use it as a stress release and alone time to be with God and his creation. I also love to travel and see new places! My family always took the summers to be outside and explore the country. In the summer I continue this trend and do a lot of traveling. I also run a side business in the summer where I bake cupcakes and cakes for weddings and other events! I love to stay busy and am definitely happiest in the classroom, running, baking or with friends and family.
One life lesson your students have taught you:
Live in the moment and cherish the small things in each day.