Announcing Our Next Head of School
Dear Zeeland Christian Community,
Thank you for covering ZCS and its leadership in prayer over the past few months, especially in this season of transition. In partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education, and after a prayerful and thorough nationwide search process, the Board of Trustees is delighted to announce Betsy Koop as our next Head of School of Zeeland Christian.
“As we went through each step of the search, we saw evidence of God’s provision, which culminated with Betsy’s acceptance of the position,” shared Ann Hemmeke, Chair of the Head of School Search Committee. “ZCS is a phenomenal place, and the strength of the applicants proved it. Betsy’s personality and experience make her a strong connection point between the ZCS staff, board, families, and the greater community.”
Betsy offers an impressive history of leadership, a passion for Christian education, and a heart deeply rooted in our mission. She brings extensive knowledge and experience with language immersion and inclusive education, key pillars of our school’s identity.
Born and raised in Zeeland, Betsy attended ZCS from preschool through 8th grade. After graduating from Holland Christian High School, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Hope College and holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Second Languages and Cultures Education from the University of Minnesota. Following college, Betsy moved to Central America and taught in Tegucigalpa, Honduras for two years. This formative experience deepened her love for travel and learning from people around the world.
Betsy accepted the call to return to West Michigan and has devoted fifteen years serving Zeeland Christian as an elementary teacher, instructional specialist, board president, and now as elementary principal. In her current role, Betsy cultivates an environment centered on spiritual, academic, and social-emotional growth for over 500 students. Guiding a team of 60+ staff members, she has implemented restorative approaches to student support and helped launch initiatives such as reading intervention groups, grade-level faith formation focus areas, and nature-based programming.


Tom DeJonge, ZCS’s Interim Head of School, shared, “In the last six months, I’ve seen firsthand Betsy’s abilities as a highly talented Christian educator with many demonstrated leadership talents. Her wide-ranging experience and tremendous commitment to ensuring educational excellence for ZCS students uniquely equip her for this role.”
Beyond her educational experience and accomplishments, Betsy has demonstrated her unwavering dedication to the values and culture that define ZCS. In her own words, she is “thrilled to lead Zeeland Christian into its next chapter. This school’s legacy has shaped my faith and journey, and I am honored to work with our outstanding staff and families to continue carrying out the motto of ‘Love God. Love Kids. Love Learning.’” Betsy’s strategic vision and commitment to our mission have prepared her well to lead our entire school community into its next chapter.
Known as an encourager, learner, extrovert, and optimist, Betsy brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is a Christ-follower continually awed by God’s boundless love and grace. Betsy is married to Jonathan, and together, they have four children, all who attend ZCS: Brecken is in fifth-grade Mandarin immersion, and triplets, Olive, Townie, and Willem are in first-grade Spanish immersion. Betsy and Jonathan also experienced the loss of a son in 2015, shortly after his birth. That profound experience shaped their faith, perspective, and approach to life, and they remain deeply grateful for the gift of parenting their loud and joyful children. The Koop family attends Pillar Church and enjoys spending time outdoors in all of Michigan’s seasons.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and partnership in this exciting new season for Zeeland Christian. We are confident that God has equipped Betsy to lead ZCS into the future and look forward to advancing the mission of ZCS together.
Burn Bright,
Zeeland Christian Board of Trustees


Congratulations Betsy! Will she still be principal or will someone step into that role?
We are thrilled to know of Betsy’ new leadership role as Head of School at ZCS. We are awed at how God worked in the selection process and finally has chosen her, a home-grown ZCS teacher and Elem Principal. We at GCCS Philippines will fervently pray for her as she braces the challenges and the joys serving ZCS as Head of School. Congratulations Betsy!
Congratulations Betsy!!!
Well deserved!